Buddha Basalt Eastern India, Pala Period

A stele depicting Buddha Shakyamuni seated in vajraparyankasana on a double lotus throne, his hands forming dharmacakramudra, a flame aureole with an inscription surrounding his head.

Acquired London, 1985
Prof. Dara Collection, London, dispersed 1960's

The stele with slight damage to the face over the left eye and chin. To the right of the main Buddha's head a section of the halo and the face of the small seated Buddha are chipped. Soil deposits over all. General wear due to age and ritual use but condition generally very good. 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.

The subject is that of Buddha Shakyamuni delivering the first sermon indicated by his hand gesture of dharmacakramudra, setting the wheel of Buddhist law into motion, and can be compared to an example published in Susan L. Huntington and John C. Huntington, Leaves from the Bodhi Tree: The Art of Pala India (8^th-12^th centuries) and Its International Legacy, Dayton, 1990, p. 144, cat no. 19.