Gandhara Grey Schist Buddha Relief with Attendants, Kushan-Era Style Buddhist Stone Panel (Antique, 100+ Years)

Gandhara Buddha Relief with Attendant Figures

This sculptural relief represents a Gandhara schist composition depicting a seated Buddha attended by flanking figures, carved as a unified devotional tableau rather than an isolated icon. Executed in dark grey stone, the work demonstrates the Gandhara tradition’s ability to compress narrative, hierarchy, and calm authority into a single architectural form.

At the center sits the Buddha in meditative composure, hands arranged with disciplined clarity and drapery falling in rhythmic, architectural folds. The body is grounded and frontal, establishing the axis of stillness around which the surrounding figures are arranged. This central stability is the defining visual anchor of the relief.

Flanking attendants—likely bodhisattvas or revered disciples—stand in quiet support, their proportions slightly reduced to reinforce hierarchy without theatrical exaggeration. Their presence does not distract from the Buddha; instead, they function as visual guardians, framing the teaching presence and guiding the viewer’s gaze inward.

The carved halo and backing slab unify the composition into a single devotional object. Rather than a free-standing sculpture, this relief was conceived as an integrated image meant for placement against a surface, altar, or architectural niche. Gandhara workshops excelled at this format, allowing complex iconography to remain legible and calm.

Gandhara Buddhist reliefs like this originate from the Silk Road cultural sphere, associated primarily with present-day Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan during the Kushan period and related eras. In a Japan-based collection, such a piece functions as a historical bridge—revealing how early Buddhist narrative sculpture prefigured later developments across Asia.

Condition is consistent with antique stone relief. Surface wear, softened edges, and minor abrasions reflect age and historical handling rather than modern damage. No modern restoration is assumed without in-hand examination. The relief should be understood as an authentic survivor valued for its compositional integrity and teaching presence.

Key Facts

• Object type: Stone Buddhist relief sculpture (Buddha with attendants)
• Material: Grey schist (Gandhara stone)
• Dimensions: Height approx. 32 cm (estimated Width ~26 cm, Depth ~10 cm)
• Period: Gandhara / Kushan-era style (antique; 100+ years; see Confidence & Verification Notes)
• Customs: HS Code: 9706.00 | Country of Origin: Pakistan (Gandhara region, ancient)

Collector Relevance

A compact yet complete Gandhara narrative relief, offering both iconographic clarity and compositional calm. Ideal for collectors seeking an integrated devotional scene rather than a single-figure icon.

Collector’s Resonance

For the collector drawn to teaching images and relational presence. This relief rewards sustained looking, revealing hierarchy, balance, and early Buddhist narrative logic.

Who Is This Deity?

• Buddha (seated): The awakened teacher, presented here as the compositional and spiritual center.
• Attendant figures: Supporting bodhisattvas or disciples framing the central teaching presence.
• Gandhara tradition: A Buddhist art tradition shaped along the Silk Road, known for naturalistic carving and architectural drapery.

Explore the Library

• Buddhist Statues & Sacred Art (Pillar)
• Buddha Guide (Subpillar)
• Gandhara Buddhist Art (Subpillar)

Shipping & Logistics

• Customs: HS Code: 9706.00 | Country of Origin: Pakistan (Gandhara region, ancient)
• Estimated item weight: ~14 kg
• Safe packaged weight estimate: ~20 kg
• Estimated packed size: ~45 × 35 × 20 cm

Confidence & Verification Notes

Exact dating and workshop attribution should be treated as probable without in-hand examination.

Explore the Collection

To browse related sacred works and Buddhist articles curated under the same standards, explore our Buddhist Statues & Sacred Art collection.

Authenticity & Stewardship

Evaluated under the Japonista Authentication Framework™:

• Material, carving, and surface-study comparison
• Iconographic and stylistic verification
• Condition and stability review (surface integrity)
• Construction assessment and handling-risk evaluation

Guaranteed 100% Authentic. Covered by the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™.

A Note on Stewardship and Collecting

At Japonista, we approach Buddhist statues, sacred images, and ritual objects not merely as collectibles, but as cultural and spiritual artifacts deserving of respect, understanding, and careful presentation. Every piece we offer is thoughtfully examined, researched, and curated with sensitivity to its origin, meaning, and historical role.

Our role is not only to offer access to rare and meaningful objects, but to serve as responsible custodians—connecting the right works with collectors who value depth, intention, and authenticity.

Inquiries, Availability, and Private Consideration

Some sacred works may allow room for discussion, while others are held firmly due to rarity, condition, or cultural importance. All inquiries are reviewed personally and discreetly, and we welcome thoughtful questions or expressions of interest.

If you are exploring a particular theme, deity, lineage, or period—or seeking guidance in building a focused collection—our concierge team is always available to assist with quiet expertise and care.

Concierge Support & Collector Guidance

Japonista Concierge™ provides personalized assistance for collectors seeking deeper understanding, thoughtful acquisition, or long-term curation strategies. Whether your interest is devotional, scholarly, or aesthetic, we are here to help guide your journey with clarity and respect.

For select high-value or historically significant works, private reservation or structured payment arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to discuss eligibility and discreet options.

Collector support: If you’re building a cross-Asia Buddhism timeline, we can recommend complementary pieces and reading paths inside the library pages above.

Before Proceeding

We kindly encourage collectors to review our shop policies and house guidelines, available through the links in our website footer, which outline shipping, handling, and conditions specific to vintage, sacred, and collectible works.

A Closing Note

Thank you for exploring Japonista’s collection of Buddhist statues, sacred art, and spiritual artifacts. We are honored to share these meaningful works and to help place them where they may continue to be appreciated, studied, and respected.

If you have questions or wish to explore related works, please feel free to contact Japonista Concierge™ at any time.

Curatorial note: Stone reliefs benefit from stable placement and careful handling. Minor surface variation is consistent with age.