Lot 9 | Very rare and fine sitting light grey schist Bodhisattva

VERY RARE AND FINE SITTING LIGHT GREY SCHIST BODHISATTVA.

Origin: Gandhara.
Date: 3rd. century AD.
Technique: Light grey schist.
Description: Exquisitely carved and extremely well-preserved, this relatively large museum-quality
sculpture of a seated Bodhisattva is exceptionally rare. Seated on the upper of two
pillows supported by a throne that is partly covered by a finely pleated cloth and
decorated with a stylized lion`s paw on each side, he contemplates in meditation posture
with his hands performing the meditation gesture (dhyana mudra). The figure is identified
as a Bodhisattva by his turban and his rich jewellery consisting of multiple necklaces and
a chain with small amulet containers. The most distinctive feature of the present
Bodhisattva is the inverted half-blooming lotus flower, whose stem he is holding between
the thumb and index finger of his proper left hand.
Measurement: Height 51cm, width 28cm, depth 9.5cm.
Frame/Pedestal: Mounted on a metal base.


Provenance:
European private collection.

Literature:
Isao Kurita: Gandharan Art II, The World of the Buddha, 1990, p. 55, ill. 135 and 136, compare two smaller seated Bodhisattvas with inverted lotus.

Seated Bodhisattvas holding an inverted lotus are very rare and are usually identified as Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion. His delicately sculpted, pensively smiling face exudes a great spiritual aura.

罕見精美健馱邏石雕菩薩坐像

3世紀   高51cm/寬28cm/厚9.5cm

灰青色岩石雕刻，後配金屬底座。

來源：歐洲私人收藏。