Indian Buddhist Schist Relief Sculpture

Two figures sit close, one with a spear and one with a horn of plenty.

This Buddhist schist relief sculpture comes from India and dates to the 2nd or 3rd century. It is Gandhara stone. The Gandhara region produced Buddhist sculpture in gray schist that blends Indian subjects with Greek and Roman styling, and a couple with a spear and a cornucopia is generally identified as the guardian pair Pancika and Hariti. Here the two are seated side by side, haloed, with his arm across her shoulder. He wears a short pleated tunic and holds a tall spear, while she wears long drapery and cradles the cornucopia. It sits on a black base, 9.25 inches high and 7 wide.

Prosperity and protection, sitting comfortably together.