2nd-4th century AD. A carved schist panel comprising: a scene with standing Buddha with left hand raised to the shoulder, the right hand holding an offering on a raised plinth with palm tree behind; to either side six disciples and dancers; mounted on a custom-made stand. See Jongeward, D., Buddhist Art of Gandhara in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, 2018, for discussion.14 kg, 39cm (15 1/4"). Property of a West London gentleman; from a private collection since 1989. Gandhara is noted for the distinctive style of its Buddhist art, which developed from a merger of Greek, Syrian, Persian, and Indian artistic influences. This development began during the Parthian Period (50 BC - AD 75) but is most notable for the Hellenistic styles that developed their unique forms through contact with Indian artistic traditions. The Gandharan style flourished and achieved its peak during the Kushan period, from the 1st to the 5th centuries. It declined and was destroyed after the invasion of the White Huns in the 5th century. Prior to the arrival of the Greeks to the area the Buddha was only represented through symbols, such as a wheel, or foot prints and an empty throne, as there was a ban on the depiction on the Buddha in art. Due to the increased influence of Hellenistic culture the Buddha was eventually depicted in statues and paintings, often with the features of Greek deities or Alexander the Great.