Gandhara Schist Figure of Hariti with Horn of Plenty, c. 2nd Century A.D.

(Gandhara Figure)

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Item No.
32.36920
Culture
Gandhara, c. 2nd Century A.D. 
Item Details.
The goddess seated on a throne, wearing long flowing robes, her hair pulled to the top in a bun, holding a cornucopia in one hand and a lotus flower in the other.
The representation of Hariti was influenced by that of the Greek goddess of Fortune, Tyche, who was often depicted with a cornucopia. This kind of interaction between Classical and Buddhist artistic conventions is typical of Gandharan art. Situated on the Silk Road, at the crossroads between East and West, Gandhara has been described by one scholar as a ‘melting pot of cultures.’ Certainly, following its conquest by Alexander the Great in the 4th century B.C., the Greeks exerted an important cultural influence. This continued even after the Greek dynasties were overthrown and the Kushans, from northern China, became established in the first century A.D. According to tradition, Hariti, prior to her conversion to Buddhism, was a cruel and vengeful personality. The mother of five hundred sons she nourished them on the flesh of other children stolen from their parents. In order to reveal to Hariti the injustice of her actions the Buddha seized her youngest child. Beside herself with grief Hariti repented and converted to Buddhism. She became associated with motherhood, fertility and prosperity.

Provenance: Private collection Mr. A. D., London, UK, acquired in London in the 1990s.

Display stand included

Size
19 cm H - 7 1/2 inches
Material
Schist 
Condition
Break to cornucopia 
Categories
Central Asia
Price.
US$ 3000
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