Western Asiatic Deep Blue Glazed Vase

The majority displaying standing figures in repoussé to both faces of a lozenge-shaped body; five formed as naked male figures with hands clasped in front of the waist; a single bead formed as a full-bodied figure wearing a headdress, one hand held over the pubic region, which is pierced; sheet-gold over bituminous cores; from a ritual headdress; most complete. 78.32 grams total, 34-43 mm



Acquired 1970s onwards. Private collection of Michael O'Hara, Cambridgeshire, UK. Ex private collection of Benjamin Hyde-Smith, Hertfordshire, UK.

Although the Buddha himself never visited Gandhara, with the passage of time the area became a veritable holy land for his followers. Mahayanism – a liberal and progressive school of Buddhism – flourished in Gandhara and laid emphasis among other things, on the transformation of the Buddha into a great mythological, almost eternal, god, and on the deification of future Buddhas as holding providences. In the visual arts, Buddha was permitted for the first time to be represented in human form.

Each composed of a hinged loop and body decorated with filigree wire and gold pellets. 8.68 grams total, 21 mm each



From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.

With carinated sidewall and everted rim, central boss, incised rosette and surrounding hatched panels and palmettes; mounted on a custom-made stand. 217 grams, 16 cm wide (390 grams total, 19.5 cm including high including stand)



Collected from 1979-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.