NG101, Narrative Scenes

Author / Creator

Raducha, Joan Anastasia

Date

• ca. 100-ca. 299

Description

• Fragment of a curved frieze with two partial panels separated by an empanelled Gandhāran – Corinthian pilaster. The panel is bordered on the top by a band with reverse bordered rounded leaves above a narrow plain fillet and on the bottom by a plain fillet. The panel on the right shows Brahma and Śakra/Indra in votive postures, perhaps entreating the Buddha to preach. Brahma, with topknot, and Śakra/Indra wearing a turban are both haloed and kneel on either side of the Buddha with their hands in añjali mudrā. The Buddha is seated on a low platform in padmāsana. His robe leaves his right shoulder bare. He holds his right hand in abhaya mudrā while holding the edge of his robe in his left hand. He is surrounded by a full body halo that is decorated with a single incised line. His hair and us̥n̥īs̥a is carved with vertical rows of waves. The tree under which he sits is indicated by two leafy boughs on either side of his head. The panel on the left shows a turbaned and haloed Bodhisattva seated on a low platform with two rounded mouldings. His legs are folded in padmāsana and his hands in dhyāna mudrā. His robe leaves his right shoulder bare and he wears jewelry on his ears, neck and wrists. To his left, stands a female figure holding a spear. There are two tenons at the bottom and groove and sockets along with a mason's mark at the top.

Description

• Location found: Level 2, Stūpa 21 S