Ancient India Stoneware Sandstone sculpture depicting the Buddha's enlightenment. - 24 cm
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Current bid
€ 500
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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
 | €500 |
|---|
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This 10th-century sandstone sculpture from Pala-period India depicts the Buddha’s enlightenment at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya and measures 24 × 17.5 cm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Sandstone sculpture depicting the Enlightenment of the Buddha, 10th century, India
India, Pala period (9th to 12th century).
Northeastern India, Bengal region
These sculptures were carried by pilgrims on pilgrimages to Bodhgaya and Nalanda.
They also served to accumulate good karma for their owners.
The sandstone used to make them was quarried at these sacred sites, giving the plaque the value of a true physical relic of the holy place.
This plaque illustrates, in exceptionally dense detail, a Buddhist sacred structure: the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya (the place where the Buddha attained Enlightenment), surrounded by stupas.
At the top, a succession of small niches can be seen, containing figures of seated Buddhas or miniature stupas arranged in tightly packed rows, evoking the Miracle of Sravasti (the infinite multiplication of Buddhas) or the architectural niches of the great Indian temples.
In the center, a niche houses the principal figure of the historical Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama), seated cross-legged.
He is depicted on a lotus throne, making the earth-touching gesture (Bhumisparsha mudra) at the moment of his enlightenment.
In the lower register, secondary deities, Bodhisattvas (figures of intercession and compassion), and worshippers or donors kneel in devotional poses (anjali mudra).
Dimensions: 24 x 17.5 cm
19 x 16 cm without the base
Provenance: - Private collection in southern France
A certificate of authenticity will be provided to the buyer.
Taxes and customs duties are included in the shipping costs for international shipments.
#Orientalism
Sandstone sculpture depicting the Enlightenment of the Buddha, 10th century, India
India, Pala period (9th to 12th century).
Northeastern India, Bengal region
These sculptures were carried by pilgrims on pilgrimages to Bodhgaya and Nalanda.
They also served to accumulate good karma for their owners.
The sandstone used to make them was quarried at these sacred sites, giving the plaque the value of a true physical relic of the holy place.
This plaque illustrates, in exceptionally dense detail, a Buddhist sacred structure: the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya (the place where the Buddha attained Enlightenment), surrounded by stupas.
At the top, a succession of small niches can be seen, containing figures of seated Buddhas or miniature stupas arranged in tightly packed rows, evoking the Miracle of Sravasti (the infinite multiplication of Buddhas) or the architectural niches of the great Indian temples.
In the center, a niche houses the principal figure of the historical Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama), seated cross-legged.
He is depicted on a lotus throne, making the earth-touching gesture (Bhumisparsha mudra) at the moment of his enlightenment.
In the lower register, secondary deities, Bodhisattvas (figures of intercession and compassion), and worshippers or donors kneel in devotional poses (anjali mudra).
Dimensions: 24 x 17.5 cm
19 x 16 cm without the base
Provenance: - Private collection in southern France
A certificate of authenticity will be provided to the buyer.
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.
