A PHYLLITE STONE STUPA

Description:

North-India, Pala period, ca. 11th/ 12th c.
H. 27,5 cm
The stupa is carved with a dome-shaped upper section and shows four arched niches with each a tathagata Buddha figure, including Amitabha, Amoghasiddha, Ratnasambhava and Akshhobya, all seated in vajrasana on a lotus base, the hands showing various gestures, wearing monastic garment, their faces displaying serene expressions and their hairdo continuing into the ushnisha.
From the collection of Gerd-Wolfgang Essen (1930-2007), purchased from Gallery Koller, Zuerich, 4.11.1976, lot 178
Partly chipped, wear