A Stucco Torso of the Buddha, Gandhara, 4th-5th Century

Published by Nevan O Shaughnessy on June 16, 2023June 16, 2023

PRESENTING a STUNNING piece of SE Asian Antiquity from circa the 4th-5th Century, namely, A Stucco Torso of the Buddha, Gandhara.

Ancient Gandhara is located in the rugged foothills of the Himalayas in what is today northwest Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan, was for centuries a thriving center of trade along the Silk Road linking China, South Asia, and the Mediterranean.

The piece was purchased by a Private Collector at Sotheby’s, or more probably, Christies of New York Auction pre-2000. The paper label on the wooden base is “7281/465” for Sale Number 7281, Lot No. 465.

Sotheby’s and Christies operate a twice yearly auction of Southeast Asian Art & Antiquities in New York in the months of March and September.

The Sale Number is more like a ‘Christies;’ Sale Number but we cannot locate any records for this sale online as it was pre-2004.

The sculpture is a Gandharan stucco headless bust of Buddha. Carved on the front only, with hands clasped in prayer. Flowing robes with 2 necklaces and a central pendant. it sits on a wooden plinth and still retains the original Auction Label.

It has substantially increased in value over the years as a RARE piece from a prestigious Collection and a RARE piece of SE Asian antiquity.

A STUNNING PIECE OF SE ASIAN ANTIQUITY!

A Stucco Torso of the Buddha, Gandhara, 4th-5th Century.

Provenance: From a Private Dallas Southeastern Asian Collection. All pieces in the Collection were acquired by the collector at Christies or Sotheby’s Auction Houses in New York between 1999 and 2008.

Condition: Very good original condition.

Dimensions: 9.75 inches Tall, 11 inches Wide and 5.5 inches Deep