A SCHIST FIGURE OF HARITI AND PANCHIKA, Gandhara, 1st a.D. / 2nd a.D century

The symmetrical play of the two garments that fall to the knees with the same soft drapery is elegant.

Catalogue notes:

In Buddhist iconography and particularly in Gandharic iconography, Hariti - one of the mother goddesses, symbol of motherhood - and Panchika, god of prosperity, are depicted together. They are thus tutelary deities to whom one can turn to implore prosperity for the family, both in terms of descent and wealth. It seems that the cult of Hariti was linked to that of Tyche, the Greek goddess of fortune. The sumptuous clothing of the two figures also shows a strong Hellenistic influence.