A BLACK STONE STELE DEPICTING BUDDHA, PALA EMPIRE

A BLACK STONE STELE DEPICTING BUDDHA, PALA EMPIRE
Northeastern India, 9th-11th century. Seated in dhyanasana atop a lotus base supported by an elephant flanked by two lions, his hands lowered in dhyana mudra resting in his lap, wearing a tight-fitting robe with folds gathering at his feet. His serene face with heavy-lidded downcast eyes below thick arched brows, framed by long pendulous earlobes, the hair arranged in tight curls over the ushnisha, the head backed by a flaming halo. The figure flanked by a pair of bodhisattvas and a pair of vidyadharas above, centered by a leafy canopy.
Provenance:
From the collection of a gentleman in Cadiz, Spain, acquired by the present owner's grandfather before 1968 from a private collection in Gujarat, India, and thence by descent. A provenance statement issued by the last owner, confirming the above, is on file and will be released to the winning bidder after full payment has been received.
Condition:
Very good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, losses, nicks, scratches, chips, signs of weathering and erosion, encrustations.
Weight: 21 kg
Dimensions: Height 45 cm
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's Amsterdam, 12 October 2004, lot 52
Price: EUR 15,535 or approx.
EUR 23,500
adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A northeast Indian, Pala period, phyllite stone stele depicting Buddha Shakyamuni
Expert remark: Compare the closely related composition with similar flanking bodhisattvas and vidyadharas as well as lions supporting the throne and leafy canopy above, and the near identical size (45 cm)