Impressionant stèle en grès représentant le Bouddha Shakyamuni, probablement de la région de Sarnath, fin d'époque Gupta, 5ème/6ème siècle

H 105 - L 61 - D 19 cm

Depicting Buddha Shakyamuni sitting in meditation posture (‘dhyanasana’) on a double lotus throne under a bodhi tree, his left hand is in dhyana mudra (meditation gesture) and his right hand touching the earth (bhumisparsa mudra) to call upon it as a witness to the truth of Buddhist teachings. He wears a sanghati robe and has long earlobes from wearing heavy jewellery. His hair is arranged in circular curls ending in a dome-shaped ushnisha topped with the bud-shaped cintamani. Beneath the throne are two followers, behind them images of yalis (mythical lions) and elephants. A carpet hangs from the lotus throne. Around his head, a halo is depicted, supported by elephants on both sides. Next to him are followers, and divine beings and apsaras (celestial nymphs) float in the air. This votive stupa or temple stele was placed in the wall or courtyard of a monastery (vihāra), or along a circumambulation path.

Typical Gupta characteristics are the lotus style, the nimbus (halo with double ring structure), the frontal, serene meditative figure, the architectural frame with upper cornice and the soft folds of the robe. Gupta sculpture is known for its idealisation and elegance, rather than exuberant decoration.

Provenance:
- Ex-collection family Goethals de Mude de Nieuwland, Castle Borgwal (link), Gavere, Belgium. Acquired by this family in the 1930s-50s.
- The grandparents of the current owners (Mr. and Mrs. V.M.-L., Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium) worked as live-in staff at the castle. Upon their retirement, the castle lord donated it as a token of appreciation. Then subsequently passed on to the current owners through inheritance. We have added old photos of the castle and of the couple, who worked as live-in staff.

Condition:
- In good condition, with small losses as visible and one more important loss to the lower right arm. Other notable losses to the left hand and foot.