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Swat: Life of the Buddha - Departure and Renunciation
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Swat: Life of the Buddha - Departure and Renunciation
PAKISTAN, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Swat; circa 2nd–3rd century; Schist; H: 13 cm; National Museum of Pakistan, Karachi
The narrative frieze is bounded on each side by squared Corinthian columns. An armed guard slumbers behind the gate to Kapilavastu on the far right. He is unaware of Prince Siddhartha 's night departure from the palace. The prince has a nimbus behind his head and sits astride the horse, with his stole streaming behind him. Earth deities support the horse 's hooves to prevent them from making any sound. Vaisravana, Heavenly King of the North, holds a bow in his left hand, while his right hand is extended in guidance. Behind him, the city 's guardian deity bows with her palms joined in reverence. More heavenly beings are grouped behind her to see the prince off. |
