Gandhara Gips ET SJÆLDEN "ÆDELT PAR UNDER BUEN" STUCCO RELIEF, GANDHARA REGION - 45 cm

Description

Kushan period, 4th-6th century.

Finely modeled, the man wrapping his left arm around the woman, her right arm on his back, and her left holding on to the arch above.

Both are dressed in loose-fitting robes cascading in voluminous folds and richly adorned with fine jewelry.

The woman’s hair falling in long curls on the shoulder and tied up into a high chignon.

The man with an elaborate headdress above his locks.

Their heads are turned towards each other with a gentle expression and subtle smile. The arch decorated with a lion head to the base.

size with stand 37X14X47 cm


Video link

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/u5ew932v942fcnnvwbyua/h?rlkey=ti839vinoai2n46xfgb7bhnoa&dl=0

Provenance:

From the collection of Jean-Marc Andral, acquired between 1996 and 2005 at Galerie Carré des Antiquaires in Versailles, France.

Jean-Marc Andral is a Belgian manager based in Brussels and active in the healthcare industry for over 25 years.

Condition:

Commensurate with age, especially when considering the frail nature of the material.

Weathering, some nicks and losses, cracks, signs of erosion, general traces of age and wear, minor old repairs. Displaying remarkably well overall.

Weight: 7,5 kg

Scientific Analysis Report:

An Expert Report from Antiques Analytics – Institute for Scientific Authenticity Testing, no. AA 22-01043, dated 5 May 2022, written and signed by Dr. R. Neunteufel, analyzing the surface alterations after examination by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and element analysis with attached energy-dispersed X-ray micro element analyzer (EDX), concludes that the observed surface alterations are not in contradiction with the dating above. A copy of the report accompanies this lot.

Auction result comparison:

Type: Remotely related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 20 Mar 2019, lot 653
Price: USD 30,000 or approx. EUR 34,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: Two painted stucco figures, Ancient region of Gandhara, 4th-5th century
Expert remark: Compare the related motif. Note that this lot comprises two separate stucco figures of slightly smaller size (35.2 cm and 36.2 cm).


NOTE - THIS NOBLE COUPLE COULD MOST PROBABLY ARE PANCIKA AND HARITI EVEN IF WE DO NOT HAVE ATTRIBUTE FOR 100% CONVICTION

This stucco fragment from the ancient Gandhara region depicts a couple of embracing deities.

We can assume that it is Pañcika and Hārītī, a very popular couple in Gandhara art, symbols of the marital couple. Pañcika is a god of war, commander of the Yaksha army (the spirits of nature) of Vaiśravaṇa.

His wife Hārītī, meanwhile, is a Buddhist goddess and protector of childhood. The two divinities are depicted hand in hand, exchanging tender glances with touching expressiveness.

This sculpture is typical of the art of the Gandhāra region, combining the finesse of Hellenistic realism with the iconographic codes of the Buddhist religion. The figures here are richly adorned, with soft, naturalistic modelling.

Coming from Central Asia, the Kuṣāṇa rulers (1st-3rd centuries) were the main patrons within this geographical area, and it was under their impetus that the art of the Gāndhāra underwent tremendous development.

It was a veritable empire, encompassing territories from Uzbekistan to northern India. This powerful kingdom was at the crossroads of many influences, thanks in particular to the caravan trade and the Silk Road. This syncretic style, so original in Buddhist art, enjoyed great success in the Gāndhāra, ensuring its popularity.
#ExclusiveCabinetofCuriosities
#MasterpiecesW39