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Kneeling Figure

4th-5th century

Afghanistan

Stucco with traces of pigment

H. 12 7/8 x W. 5 3/4 x D. 5 in. (32.6 x 14.6 x 12.7 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.004

Provenance

John D. Rockefeller 3rd, New York, NY; acquired from Ellsworth & Goldie, New York, NY, 1968.

The Asia Society, New York, NY, bequest of John D. Rockefeller 3rd, New York, NY, 1979.

Licensing inquiries

This kneeling devotee gazes upwards, as if in adoration, and holds offerings: a sash in her right hand and a fruit in her left. Her raised head position and the offerings indicate that she was most likely originally placed near a Buddha. She wears a tunic over a skirt, a costume originally brought to India by the Scythians that seems to have been popular with the ruling warrior class (kshatriyas). Traces of red pigment indicate that her clothing had a checked design. This image comes from a part of Gandhara that is now present-day Afghanistan, possibly from the site of Hadda.