A GREY SCHIST RELIEF OF WORSHIPPERS AROUND A PILLAR
PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE SWISS COLLECTION
Ancient region of Gandhara, 2nd - 3rd century

Of square shape, the deeply carved relief depicting a group of six worshippers (two effaced now) holding their hands in prayer next to a pillar surmounted by three rosette roundels, or wheels, the pillar possibly either an aniconic representation of the Historical Buddha Shakyamuni or a cetiya (relic), usually placed by devotees in the places where specific moments of the Buddha's life occurred, 19cm x 16.5cm.

Dimensions: 19cm x 16.5cm

Purchased in India in the 1940s, when the present owner's father lived and worked in India, then by descent in the family's collection.