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Large grey schist figure of a Bodhisattva from the Collection of a Prince
A Masterpiece from Collection of a Prince, collected between 1964 and 1970
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Large grey schist figure of a Bodhisattva
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Gandhara, circa 4th century AD.
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We are honoured to present such unique wealth of material, and this is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity for both new and established collectors to acquire a piece of Gandharan art. Combining ancient Royal patronage with Royal provenance, this piece from this collection, encapsulate a moment in time of artistic and spiritual integrity. It is forever timely in its embodiment of compassion and exchange of ideas and ideals between East and West.
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-Collection of a Prince, collected between 1964 and 1970. (1)
-Christie’s New York, “Gandharan Buddhist Art from the collection of a Prince” on 20 September 2007, lot 253.
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-EU private collection, purchase from above in 2007.
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Note: (1)- The collector, born a prince himself, encountered the late King Zahid Shah of Afghanistan on a diplomatic mission and made the personal acquaintance with the art historian Arthur Upham Pope (1881-1969). He focused on collecting Gandharan art as a young man between 1964 and 1970.
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His Holiness, The Dalai Lama, kindly agreed to write an introduction for a private publication of a collection of Gandharan stucco and terracotta heads separately formed by the Prince entitled Echoes of Alexander the Great: Silk Route Portraits from Gandhara, London, Eklisa Anstalt 2000.
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The large figure of the Bodhisattva is depicted standing on a meticulously crafted square base. He holds his right hand in the gesture of warding off fear, his left hand stretched along his side. He wears an ankle-length dhoti secured around his waist with elaborate drapery and a heavier sanghati open at the front to reveal his bare chest. The drapery is executed with skill and naturalistic attention, a characteristic peculiar to the Gandhara style which dates back to the Greco-Roman sculptural influence in the region. The bust is adorned with multiple necklaces and carries prayers of Iranian tradition.
The face with almond-shaped eyes and a moustache is framed by an elaborate hairstyle, the hair forms a chignon held in place with a precious headband, long locks fall on the shoulders enhanced by the large halo which encloses and highlights the refined face with a benevolent expression.
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