Lot # : 1314 - Antique 3rd century Gandhara Buddha (Rare Art )

Title: Standing Buddha;Date: ca. 3rd century;Culture:Height 88 CM & width 34 CM; Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara)Medium: Schist;This particular standing Buddha is one that is associated with the Gandharan appearance. It was discovered from an archaeological site which is in modern day Pakistan. The standing Gandharan Buddha has a European face and is clothed in Roman drapery. Gandhara was settled by Greeks due to the conquest of Alexander the Great in 327 BC. Although this subject matter is Buddhist, Alexander's reign gave this version a Roman look.This standing Buddha associated with the Gandharan school of Buddhism is unlike any other Buddhist sculpture ever created. It was made by sculpting slate, schist, or stucco. The ancient sculpting tools used to create this Buddha gave it some unique details that set it apart from other versions of Buddha. The almond shaped eyes appear downward and are centered by an urna. The Gandharan Buddha also serves as the first anthropomorphic Buddha ever created. Though different than earlier forms, this version reached a high popularity among believers due to its Hellenistic Greek style. Another Greek element incorporated into the making of this Buddha was the attention to detail.