A GREY SHIST RELIEF OF DIPANKARA JATAKA
NORTHERN INDIA, GANDHARA, 2ND OR 3RD CENTURY AD
Estimate: £3,000 - £4,000
Auction: 11 June 2025 from 10:00 BST
Description
grey schist stone relief, carved in deep relief with Buddha Dipankara to the centre, flanked by further figures within a sawtooth border, on stand
Dimensions
36cm x 33cm x 6cm
Provenance
Formerly, Kurita Isao Collection, Japan.
Acquired from Spinks, London, 1986.
Footnote
This carved schist panel depicts the story of the Ascetic Mega and the Buddha Dipankara. Part of a collection of stories about the previous lives of the Buddha, this story describes how the Buddha-to-be is born as Megha the ascetic, who meets the Buddha Dipankara. Inspired and moved by his kindness and wisdom, Megha vows to become Buddha himself in the future.
For a related carved panel depicting the same scene and a discussion on the subject, see British Museum accession number 1980,0225.1.