Relief thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Relief

4th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
Swat Valley (made)

This fragment of a vertical frieze has a bay leaf garland on the right. On the left is a series of Buddhas seated in meditation under the bodhi tree, in superposed niches. The bodhi tree is indicated by two branches which emerge behind the head of the Buddha's nimbus. The figures are wrapped in sanghatis - even their hands. The hair is drawn up to the usnisa in long strands.


Object details

Categories
Buddhism
Sculpture
Architectural Fittings
Object type
Relief
Materials and techniques
Grey schist
Brief description
Fragment showing meditating Buddha, Grey schist, 4th century AD, Swat valley, Gandhara.
Physical description
This fragment of a vertical frieze has a bay leaf garland on the right. On the left is a series of Buddhas seated in meditation under the bodhi tree, in superposed niches. The bodhi tree is indicated by two branches which emerge behind the head of the Buddha's nimbus. The figures are wrapped in sanghatis - even their hands. The hair is drawn up to the usnisa in long strands.
Dimensions
  • Height: 0.58m
  • Length: 0.105m
Credit line
Given by Imre Schwaiger, Esq., through the Art Fund
Object history
Given by Imre Schwaiger, Esq., through the Art Fund. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Museum records (Asia Department registers and/or Central Inventory) as part of a 2023 provenance research project.

RP 1912-2465M
Production
Swat Valley, Gandhara
Subjects depicted
Buddhist
Leaves
Figures
Bibliographic references
  • Ackermann, Hans Christoph. Narrative Stone Reliefs from Gandhara in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Catalogue and Attempt at a Stylistic History. Reports and Memoirs. Director of the Series Giuseppe Tucci. Volume XVII. IsMEO, Rome, 1975. p. 148, pl. LXXIb
Collection
South & South East Asia Collection
Accession number
IM.201-1913

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdDecember 4, 2003
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O86724/relief-unknown/
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest