Gandharan Division

The Hellenistic influence was nowhere more dramatic than in Gandhara, a term now used to describe the school of semi-classical sculptures of Pakistan and Afghanistan in the early centuries of our era. Gandhara is the name of an ancient province and kingdom, which in classical times, was limited to a small region in present day Pakistan and Afghanistan. The province Gandhara included roughly northern Pakistan between the Khyber Pass and the Indus River and the region of the Kabul Valley in Afghanistan. However, art and architecture from the Gandharean School had been found as far as north of the Oxus River and south in the Punjab.

The Kingdom of Gandhara lasted from c. the 6th century BC to the 11th century AD. It attained its height from the 1st century to the 5th century under the Buddhist Kushan Kings.

Ganharan art is often referred to as the Greco-or-Roman-Buddhist school. The founder of the School has been credited to the Kushan Emperor Kanishka (c. AD 129-160), because of his patronage to Buddhism, and his great artistic development. The character of Gandharan art is determined by the commercial relations between the Kushan and the Roman empires. The many archaeological discoveries of Alexandrian and Syrian workmanship at Taxila in the Punjab and Begram in the Kabul valley testify to the cultural and diplomatic connections with the Greco-Roman West. Many artifacts, in particular sculptures, have survived and are now dispersed in major museums throughout the world.

The subject matter of Gandharan art was unquestionably Buddhist, while most motifs were of western Asiatic or Hellenistic origin. Mesopotamian motifs can be found on Persepolitan capitals; or, forms such as the Atlantis, garland-bearing Eros, and such semi-human creatures as the centaur and triton are part of the repertory of Hellenistic art and were introduced by Roman Eurasian artists in the service of the Kushan court. The fantastic monsters however, the sphinxes and griffins, had already been assimilated by the ancient Indian schools. Sculptures played a very decisive role in the Buddhist monasteries where they have been found in large quantities. Tall single statues were placed in chapels to be venerated by the monks and the faithful. Other large figures in high relief were placed with their back to the wall, and bass relief filled all manners of places and positions.

The Gandhara school is probably credited with the first representation of the Buddha in human form, the portrayal of Sakyamuni in his human shape, rather than shown as a symbol.

Image Code K01

Catalogue No.: K01 Description: Gandharan Carved Schist Depiction of a Standing Bodhisattva Kushan Period (c. 3rd century AD). Grey Schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan). Size: 420 X 170mm.

Image Code K02

Catalogue No.: K02 Description: Gandharan Carved Schist Depiction of the Seated Buddha Kushan Period (c. 3rd century AD). Grey Schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan). Size: 235 X 160mm.

Image Code K03

Catalogue No.: K03 Description: Gandharan Carved Stone Bowl. Kushan Period (2nd-3rd Century AD). Magnificent carved schist thick-walled bowl profusely decorated with high-relief carving with line and dot registers and a prominent central floral medallion to the inside and the base. Grey/green schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan/Afghanistan). Size: 183 X 75mm.

Image Code K04

Catalogue No.: K04 Description: Gandharan Carved Stone Figure of Hariti. Kushan Period 1st Century AD. Graeco-Buddhist depiction in bold relief of the goddess Hariti seated upon a throne with a garland over the left shoulder. Hariti was a Mother Goddess extremely popular in Gandhara especially among Buddhists. Her divinity in this instance is emphasised by the presence of the circular nimbus behind her head. The garland she holds is typical of Gandharan art, appearing frequently as an attribute or adornment. Green schist. Gandhara Region. (AncientPakistan/Afghanistan). Size: 185 X 105mm.

Image Code K05

Catalogue No.: K05 Description: Fine Schist Carving of a Seated Bodhisattva Kushan Period (c. 3rd century AD). Grey Schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan). Size: 310 X 175mm.

Image Code K06

Catalogue No.: K06 Description: Carved Stone Depiction of the Buddha in Meditation (Dhyanamudra) 1st - 3rd century AD. Grey Schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan). Size: 300 X 165mm.

Image Code K07

Catalogue No.: K07 Description: Carved Stone Depiction of a Chariot Cart Scene, c. 4th century AD. This lively depiction portrays two charioteers being pulled along by two rampant lions, another two pushing at the rear. Not only deities and human beings were represented in the Greco-Buddhist art of the Gandhara region – there were also animals. Most important among the animals was the lion which from ancient times have been used as a royal symbol and was considered the most powerful of all beasts. In Buddhist art two lions are usually shown flanking the Buddha’s throne, symbolising his kingly position as a ruler among men and also at the same time serving as the emblem of the Sakya clan to which the historical Buddha belonged. Grey Schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan). Size: 530 X 310mm.

Image Code K08

Catalogue No.: K08 Description: Carved Schist Depiction of the Buddha in the Abhayamudra Attitude Kushan Period (c. 1st - 3rd century AD). Grey Schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan). Size: 240 X 335mm.

Image Code K09

Catalogue No.: K09 Description: Carved Schist Depiction of a Dancing Scene, c.4th century AD. Vivid portrayal of a nymph or perhaps a celestial dancer beneath a garland of vines and grapes whilst standing atop a couchant lion. Grey Schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan). Size: 470 X 210mm.

Image Code K10

Catalogue No.: K10 Description: Carved Stone Frieze of a Hunting Scene. Kushan Period (c. 1st - 3rd century AD). Grey Schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan). Size: 545 X 170mm.

Image Code K11

Catalogue No.: K11 Description: Carved Schist Depiction of the Seated Buddha, c. 4th century AD. Grey Schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan). Size: 420 X 240mm.

Image Code K12

Catalogue No.: K12 Description: Gandharan Carving of a Celestial Dancer. Kushan Period (1st Century AD). Greco-Buddhist polished stone statuette of a celestial dancer figure. Steatite. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan/Afghanistan). Size: 100 X 44mm.

Image Code K13

Catalogue No.: K13 Description: Gandharan Carved Stone Head of a Lady. Kushan Period (2nd-3rd Century AD). Finely rendered Greco-Buddhist depiction of a noble lady with elaborate coif. Grey schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan/Afghanistan). Size: 68 X 51mm.

Image Code K14

Catalogue No.: K14 Description: Gandharan Stone Relief of Buddha or a Bodhisattva. Kushan Period (2nd-3rd Century AD). Greco-Buddhist depiction of the Buddha or a Bodhisattva with Hellenistic influence. Grey schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan/Afghanistan). Size: 95 X 59mm.

Image Code K15

Catalogue No.: K15 Description: Gandharan Relief Frieze. 100 BC - 100 AD. Fragment from a stupa panel depicting a bodhisattva or a noble with his attendant, flanked by architectural columns and foliage. Green/grey schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan/Afghanistan). Size: 190 X 150mm.

Image Code K16

Catalogue No.: K16 Description: Gandharan Stone Relief of Buddha. Kushan Period (2nd-3rd Century AD). Greco-Buddhist depiction of the Buddha with Hellenistic influence. Grey schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan/Afghanistan). Size: 160 X 60mm.

Image Code K17

Catalogue No.: K17 Description: Gandharan Stone Relief of a Bodhisattva. Kushan Period (150 - 200 AD). Greco-Buddhist depiction of a Bodhisattva or "Buddha-to-be", a supreme being capable of enlightenment, who in compassion for mankind delayed his entry into the state of Buddhahood in order to minister to others striving for that goal. This bodhisattva of the Gandhara school is very close to Hellenistic art in the draping of the clothes, but the wearing of jewellery and the cloak over the left shoulder, wrapped around the left arm and leaving the torso bare, is of Indian influence. Schist/Steatite. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan/Afghanistan). Size: 340 X 150mm.

Image Code K18

Catalogue No.: K18 Description: Gandharan Carved Stone Statuette of a Bodhisattva. Kushan Period (150 - 200 AD). Greco-Buddhist depiction of a Bodhisattva or "Buddha-to-be", a supreme being capable of enlightenment, who in compassion for mankind delays entering into the state of Buddhahood in order to minister to others striving for that goal. This bodhisattva of the Gandhara school is very close to Hellenistic art in the draping of the clothes, but the wearing of jewellery and the cloak over the left shoulder, wrapped around the left arm and leaving the torso bare, is of Indian influence. Custom mounted for display. Schist/Steatite. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan/Afghanistan). Size: 590 X 155mm.

Image Code K19

Catalogue No.: K19 Description: Gandharan Stone Relief. Kushan Period (2nd Century AD). Greco-Buddhist depiction of the Bodhisattva as the divine garland bearer wearing a shawl, dhoti and turban head-piece, his divinity emphasized by the presence of the circular nimbus behind his head. Grey schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan/Afghanistan). Size: 150 X 64mm.

Image Code K20

Catalogue No.: K20 Description: Gandharan Carved Stone Tablet depicting a Saintly Figure. Kushan Period (2nd Century AD). Greco-Buddhist depiction of a Bodhisattva or Buddhist saint, considered a symbol of supreme charity and being capable of enlightenment, who in compassion for mankind delayed entry into the state of Buddhahood in order to minister to others striving for that goal. Strong Greco-Roman elements can be observed in the rendering of the drapery and the halo around the head. Grey schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan/Afghanistan). Size: 93 X 71mm.

Image Code K21

Catalogue No.: K21 Description: Gandharan Carved Stone Head. 1st Century BC - 2nd Century AD). Greco-Buddhist depiction of an ascetic with long flowing hair and beard. Grey schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan/Afghanistan). Size: 38 X 73mm.

Image Code K22

Catalogue No.: K22 Description: Gandharan Carving of a Warrior on Horseback. Kushan Period (2nd-3rd Century AD). Fragmentary Greco-Buddhist sculptural depiction of a moustached lance-carrying warrior on horseback. Grey schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan/Afghanistan). Size: 75 X 70mm.

Image Code K23

Catalogue No.: K23 Description: Gandharan Carved Head of the Buddha. Kushan Period (2nd - 3rd Century AD). Superb finely rendered depiction of the head of Buddha with a serene countenance. Stucco. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan/Afghanistan). Size: 92 X 60mm.

Image Code K24

Catalogue No.: K24 Description: Gandharan Carved Head of a Soldier. Kushan Period (2nd - 3rd Century AD). Beautifully composed and rendered depiction of a helmeted warrior or soldier. Stucco. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan/Afghanistan). Size: 62 X 83mm.

Image Code K25

Catalogue No.: K25 Description: Gandharan Carved Head of the Buddha. Kushan Period (2nd - 3rd Century AD). Superb finely rendered depiction of the head of Buddha with a serene compassionate countenance. Stucco. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan/Afghanistan). Size: 62 X 88mm.

Image Code K27

Catalogue No.: K27 Description: Carved Stucco Head of a Turban-headed Male Kushan Period (c. 1st - 3rd century AD). Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan). Size: 25 X 40mm.

Image Code K28

Catalogue No.: K28 Description: Carved Stucco Head of a Male Kushan Period (c. 1st - 3rd century AD). Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan). Size: 47 X 38mm.

Image Code K29

Catalogue No.: K29 Description: Gandharan Carved Stone Tablet depicting a Saintly Figure. Kushan Period (2nd Century AD). Greco-Buddhist depiction of a Bodhisattva or Buddhist saint, considered a symbol of supreme charity and being capable of enlightenment, who in compassion for mankind delayed entry into the state of Buddhahood in order to minister to others striving for that goal. Strong Greco-Roman elements can be observed in the rendering of the drapery and the halo around the head. Grey schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan/Afghanistan). Size: 70 X 89mm.

Image Code K30

Catalogue No.: K30 Description: Gandharan Carved Stone Tablet depicting a Saintly Figure. Kushan Period (2nd Century AD). Greco-Buddhist depiction of a Bodhisattva or Buddhist saint, considered a symbol of supreme charity and being capable of enlightenment, who in compassion for mankind delayed entry into the state of Buddhahood in order to minister to others striving for that goal. Strong Greco-Roman elements can be observed in the rendering of the drapery and the halo around the head. Grey schist. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan/Afghanistan). Size: 70 X85mm.

Image Code K31

Catalogue No.: K31 Description: Carved Schist Depiction of the Head of Buddha, c. 3rd Century AD Gandhara. Region (Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan). Size: 105 X 68mm.

Image Code K32

Catalogue No.: K32 Description: Carved Schist Depiction of the Head of Buddha, c. 3rd Century AD. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan). Size: 67 X 61mm.

Image Code K33

Catalogue No.: K33 Description: Carved Stone Head of a Bodhisattva, c. 3rd Century AD. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan). Size: 137 X 101mm.

Image Code K34

Catalogue No.: K34 Description: Carved Stone Head of the Buddha, c. 3rd Century AD. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan). Size: 116 X 101mm.

Image Code K35

Catalogue No.: K35 Description: Carved Stone Head of the Buddha, c. 3rd Century AD. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan) Size: 136 X 211mm.

Image Code K36

Catalogue No.: K36 Description: Carved Stone Head of the Buddha, c. 3rd Century AD. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan). Size: 180 X 124mm.

Image Code K37

Catalogue No.: K37 Description: Gandharan Carved Stone Relief Frieze. Kushan Period (2nd  Century AD). Greco-Buddhist carved relief frieze from an architectural monument or stupa portraying a scene from paradise. Two naked figures are seen accompanied by six fully robed figures interacting with flourishes of the divine garland. Green schist. Gandhara region, Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan Size: 500 X 90mm.

Image Code K38

Catalogue No.: K38 Description: Carved Schist of a Dancing Scene, c. 4th – 3rd century AD. Magnificently rendered depiction of a celestial nymph or dancer clutching the lower frond of an acanthus or palm fan surmounting her, a nimbus at the rear. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan). Size: 680 X 270mm.

Image Code K39

Catalogue No.: K39 Description: Gandharan Stone Relief of a Bodhisattva. Kushan Period (150 - 200 AD). Greco-Buddhist depiction of a Bodhisattva or "Buddha-to-be", a supreme being capable of enlightenment, who in compassion for mankind delayed his entry into the state of Buddhahood in order to minister to others striving for that goal. This bodhisattva of the Gandhara school is very close to Hellenistic art in the draping of the clothes, but the wearing of jewellery and the cloak over the left shoulder, wrapped around the left arm and leaving the torso bare, is of Indian influence. Schist/Steatite. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan/Afghanistan). Size: 271 X 122mm.

Image Code K40

Catalogue No.: K40 Description: Carved Stone Depiction of a Winged Devi. Kushan period (1st – 3rd century AD). This beautifully carved piece probably once represented an architectural corbel or lintel and depicts a winged spirit or devi emerging from an acanthus. Gandhara Region (Ancient Pakistan / Afghanistan). Size: 280 X 260mm.

Image Code V32

Catalogue No.: V32 Description: Carved Schist Depiction of a Standing Bodhisattva. Impressive tall rendition of a standing and bejewelled bodhisattva, flanked on either side by divine garlands, his long wavy hair gathered to his right behind which is an intact nimbus. The figure is of relatively shallow relief and is most likely attributed to the Swat or Pakistan school of c. 5th century AD. Size: 962 x 355mm.

Image Code V33

Catalogue No.: V33 Description: Carved Stone Depiction of a Bodhisattva. Well composed but relatively shallow relief depiction of a bodhisattva with elaborate coif and attributes, the piece truncated at the waist and now missing the left elbow portion. It is most likely attributed to the Swat or Pakistan school of c. 5th century AD. Size: 570 x 385mm.

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