An elegant gray schist standing Buddha Ancient Region of Gandhara, Kushan Period, 2nd/3rd century

wearing a monastic robe covering both shoulders, draped low at the neckline and falling in dense folds down the front of the body in the typical scheme. The edge of the fabric is held in his left hand while the right hand, now missing, probably formed abhayamudra, the gesture of reassurance. The figure leans his weight onto his right leg with the hip curved outwards, allowing the left leg to flex and the left knee can be seen pushing through the fabric which sways with the movement. The face is oval and small, the features precise almost like a portrait, with beautiful almond-shaped downcast eyes, lips forming a slight smile and the furrowed brow displaying a raised urna between arched eyebrows. The remains of a halo can be seen behind the head and at the right shoulder. The hair is arranged in waves forming a pattern covering the usnisha. The Buddha stands on a plinth with a row of brackets at the top and a molded base, the middle section carved with a bas-relief frieze of floral motifs, now damaged

Private US collection

References are true right and true left. The halo is almost lost, sliced on both sides leaving a triangular section behind the head. The right arm is broken at the elbow, the robes draped over it chipped around the edge, the end of the right big toe is broken. The base is extensively exfoliated, the right hand top corner is chipped off and the bottom edge chipped. Overall chips, exfoliation and soil incrustation. Face cleaned, otherwise no restoration.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

During this period a demand for large icons made to be placed in niches on temples and monasteries secured religious merit for the donors in accordance with the growing popularity of Mahayana Buddhist beliefs. This is an extremely beautiful and graceful example of such an icon, the gentle movement of the head bent forwards, looking down and tilted slightly to the left exemplifying the one who has discovered enlightenment and can look down on his human devotees with immense compassion. Compare Kurita, I.; Gandharan Art II The World of the Buddha, 1996, p. 78, fig. 201.