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Capital with a Bust of Hariti
Ancient region of Gandhara
Second half of 1st century
Grey schist
17 x 83.5 cm (6.7 x 33 in.)
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Provenanace
Myohoji Temple, Shizuoka prefecture, acquired in the early 1970s
Exhibited
Publications

Corinthian-style capitals decorated with leaves of acanthus were an architectural element at the topmost part of pillars in Buddhist temples of Gandhara. 


In the present sculpture, a bust of Hariti – the goddess of abundance, depicted in the middle, is surrounded by lively executed acanthus leaves. As an architectural motif, the leaves of acanthus with its ancient Greek origin reflect the transmission of cultural elements between civilisations. It is also interesting to note the tenons on the top and bottom of the capital.  Apart from images of the Hariti, these type of capitals can also depict Bodhisattvas, attendants, the Sun God amongst others.