Ancient India Stoneware Sandstone sculpture depicting the Buddha's enlightenment. - 24 cm
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 7,200 - € 8,800
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 | €1 |
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Ancient Indian sandstone sculpture representing the Enlightenment of the Buddha, a Pala period piece (9th–12th century) with dimensions 24 x 17.5 cm (depth 4.5 cm); authentic original in Very Good+ condition, acquired in 2025 from a Galerie/Antiquaire in France.
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Description from the seller
Sculpture in sandstone representing the awakening of the 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 pilgrimages to Bodhgaya and Nalanda.
They also served to accumulate good karma for the owner.
The sandstone used to make them was quarried from these sacred sites, which conferred on the plaque the value of a genuine physical relic of the holy place.
This plaque densely illustrates 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 seated Buddha figures or miniature stupas arranged in tight rows, evoking the miracle of Sravasti (the endless multiplication of Buddhas) 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 cross‑legged.
He is depicted on a lotus throne, performing the earth-touching gesture (Bhumisparsha mudra) at the moment of his enlightenment.
In the lower register, secondary deities, Bodhisattvas (intercessory and compassionate 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 issued to the purchaser.
Taxes and duties are included in the shipping costs for international shipments
#Orientalism
Sculpture in sandstone representing the awakening of the 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 pilgrimages to Bodhgaya and Nalanda.
They also served to accumulate good karma for the owner.
The sandstone used to make them was quarried from these sacred sites, which conferred on the plaque the value of a genuine physical relic of the holy place.
This plaque densely illustrates 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 seated Buddha figures or miniature stupas arranged in tight rows, evoking the miracle of Sravasti (the endless multiplication of Buddhas) 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 cross‑legged.
He is depicted on a lotus throne, performing the earth-touching gesture (Bhumisparsha mudra) at the moment of his enlightenment.
In the lower register, secondary deities, Bodhisattvas (intercessory and compassionate 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 issued to the purchaser.
Taxes and 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.
