A rare, genuine and particularly high quality Ancient Gandharan sculpture, dating to approximately 300 A.D. A detailed Gandharan schist stone sculpture, part of a larger narrative frieze, portraying six merchants in groups of two separated by columns, possibly discussing today's market ups and downs.
Gandharan artists of the fourth century A.D. are know to have included elements of Greek mythology in their sculpture, as is evidenced in this fascinating piece. So-called Gandharan Sculpture was produced in parts of modern-day India, Pakistan and Afghanistan from the first century A.D. In the second century B.C. these areas were ruled by the Graeco-Bactrians, the farthest flung people of the Greek World, who brought with them the beautiful Hellenistic Greek Artistic tradition. This tradition became incorporated into the art of the region, resulting in a kind of "Graeco-Buddhist" Art from the 1st to the 3rd
Centuries A.D.
Length and height of frieze alone: 12.2 inches x 2.9 inches. Weight: 3.5 kg
Condition: Excellent. Unrestored. Mounted as shown.
Authenticity: All items are unconditionally guaranteed to be Ancient and Authentic as described. For added security we offer a full money-back guarantee if a recognized authority disputes the authenticity of any object sold.
Provenance: Ex. Collection of a London gentleman, Mr. M.Butt. Mr. Butt had a scholarly interest in Gandharan art and acquired a considerable collection from the London market during the 1950's to 1980's. This collection was sold on the London market just before 2014 when we acquired it from a London-based antique dealer. This piece shows an old collection number at the centre, "94".
Arrives professionally packed! For fragile and high-value items that require extra protection during shipping such as this listing we use foam-in-place. Foam-in-place is a method of packaging that involves creating a custom-fit foam cushion around a product to protect it during shipping and handling.
We have more Gandharan stone sculptures for sale - an ancient Greek Schist piece mounted on wood - c 100AD (https://worldclassantiques.com/Marketplace/Listing/Details/380838/Ancient-Greek-Gandharan-Schist-Sculpture-100-AD) as well as another ancient stone frieze portraying two powerfully built men (https://worldclassantiques.com/Marketplace/Listing/Details/380838/Ancient-Greek-Gandharan-Schist-Sculpture-100-AD) with broad chests.
Notes:
• If you are interested in selling something similar - we buy, one item or an entire collection, please contact us (https://worldclassantiques.com/contact.aspx).