Ancient India Stoneware Sandstone sculpture depicting the Buddha's enlightenment. - 24 cm
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Current bid
€ 420
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 6,000 - € 12,000
 | €420 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €120 | |
 | €110 | |
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Sculpture in sandstone depicting the Buddha’s awakening from the Pala period of India (9th–12th century), Bengal region, measuring 24 × 17.5 × 4.5 cm and authenticated as original, acquired in 2025 from a French Galerie/Antiquaire.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Sandstone sculpture representing the awakening of Buddha. 10th century India
India, Pala period (from the 9th to the 12th century).
Northeast India, Bengal region
These sculptures were carried away by pilgrims during Bodhgaya and Nalanda pilgrimages.
It also served to accumulate good karma for its owner.
The sandstone used to make them was quarried from these sacred sites, which gave the plaque the value of a true physical relic of the holy place.
This plaque densely illustrates a sacred Buddhist architecture: the Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya (the place where the Buddha attained Enlightenment) surrounded by stupas.
at the top, one sees a succession of small niches containing silhouettes of seated Buddhas or miniature stupas arranged in tight rows, evoking the miracle of Sravasti (the multiplication of Buddhas to infinity) or the architectural niches of the great Indian temples.
in the center a niche houses the main figure of the historical Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) seated in a lotus position.
He is depicted on a lotus throne, performing the Earth Witness mudra (Bhumisparsha mudra) at the moment of his illumination.
in the lower register, secondary deities, Bodhisattvas (intercession and compassion figures) and devotees or donors kneeling in devotional postures (anjali mudra).
Dimensions: 24 x 17.5 cm
19 x 16 cm without the base
Provenance: - Private collection in the south of France
An authenticity certificate will be given to the purchaser.
Taxes and customs duties are included in the shipping costs for international shipments
#Orientalism
Sandstone sculpture representing the awakening of Buddha. 10th century India
India, Pala period (from the 9th to the 12th century).
Northeast India, Bengal region
These sculptures were carried away by pilgrims during Bodhgaya and Nalanda pilgrimages.
It also served to accumulate good karma for its owner.
The sandstone used to make them was quarried from these sacred sites, which gave the plaque the value of a true physical relic of the holy place.
This plaque densely illustrates a sacred Buddhist architecture: the Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya (the place where the Buddha attained Enlightenment) surrounded by stupas.
at the top, one sees a succession of small niches containing silhouettes of seated Buddhas or miniature stupas arranged in tight rows, evoking the miracle of Sravasti (the multiplication of Buddhas to infinity) or the architectural niches of the great Indian temples.
in the center a niche houses the main figure of the historical Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) seated in a lotus position.
He is depicted on a lotus throne, performing the Earth Witness mudra (Bhumisparsha mudra) at the moment of his illumination.
in the lower register, secondary deities, Bodhisattvas (intercession and compassion figures) and devotees or donors kneeling in devotional postures (anjali mudra).
Dimensions: 24 x 17.5 cm
19 x 16 cm without the base
Provenance: - Private collection in the south of France
An authenticity certificate will be given to the purchaser.
Taxes and customs duties are included in the shipping costs for international shipments
#Orientalism
Details
Culture
Ancient India
Century/timeframe
période Pala (du IXe au XIIe siècle).
Name of object
Sandstone sculpture depicting the Buddha's enlightenment.
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
2025
Material
Stoneware
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Very good +
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
24 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Width
17.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
Depth
4.5 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
