Grey schist
Ancient region of Gandhara
2nd – 3rd century CE
The right hand fragment of a larger panel. The complete scene would feature the historical Buddha preaching the Wheel of the Dharma Sutta to his five former counterparts “ascetics” in the deerpark at Sernath. This is a prime example of the Hellenised style of carving of the Indo-Greek artists working under the Kushan dynasty. It likely formed part of a series of decorative panels from a temple complex.
Provenance: Mohamed Makiya 1914-2015 Iraqi/British Architect