Untitled

Unknown

ca. 2nd–3rd century · Schist · Asian Art

There are many jatakas (Buddhist tales) about the former lives of the Buddha. In this one, he was born as the king of Benares and ruled with his beloved queen, Kakati. The royal solar bird Garuda came to the court disguised as a man and gambled with the king. He then became enamored of the queen and abducted her. But when Garuda heard of the king's great sadness and of his true love for Kakati, he restored her to him.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 2nd–3rd century

Medium

Schist

Culture

Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Bernice Richard Gift, 1980