English: Buddha performing the Miracle of Sravasti - Gandhara, 2nd/3rd century AD

A gray schist sculpture, of 80cm high, depicts Buddha standing on a pedestal with an altar, flanked by seated Buddhas and their attendants.

In his left hand Buddha holds the hem of a full-length sanghati, the folds elegantly draped over the body, the face with bow-shaped mouth, almond-shaped eyes, and gently arching brows. The locks of wavy hair secured over the ushnisha and backed by a halo, with the flames miraculously emerging from this shoulders and water from his feet.

This representation of Buddha with fire and water emanating from his body is rare, and refers to the first of the series of miracles he performed at Sravasti, a monastery town in ancient India, where he confronted his critics.

The Kasyapas, leaders of India's six prevailing philosophical schools, invited Buddha to a contest of miraculous powers expecting they could demonstrate his inferiority.

Buddha's miracles, which included, among others, allowing people to read each other's thoughts and spreading a cleansing light throughout the world, resulted in the conversion of the Kasyapas' ninety-thousand followers.

The sculpture encapsulates this event, celebrating the virtue of the Buddha's teaching in contrast to the philosophies of the Vedic Kasyapas.

(Source: Christie's E-Catalogue Indian and Southeast Asian Art 12.09.2012)