Lot 602. A gray schist figure of a Seated Buddha, Gandhara, 2nd-3rd century, 37 ½ in. (95 cm.) high. Estimate USD 30,000 - USD 50,000. Price realised USD 87,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017 

Provenance: Acquired by the present owner from the New York Art Market on 13 January 1995.

Note: The Buddha depicted seated in meditation on a throne showing Buddha at center flanked by devotees and with a plush cushion of kusha grass draped over the edges. Sacred throughout India and associated with amrita, the nectar of immortality, kusha grass is used in traditional Indian medicine. The blades of the kusha grass are sharp, a deterrent for insects and snakes, making it a favorable seat for meditation. According to textual evidence, Buddha remained in a state of meditation and fasting for seven weeks after reaching enlightenment, seated under the Bodhi tree on a bed of grass: 

I would grab a bundle of grass for myself, spread it on the vajrasana under the Bodhi tree and sit cross-legged with the body upright. I would practice the asphanaka meditation and stop the inhaling and exhaling of breath and would awake from the meditation once a day: having awoke, I would eat a half grain of sesame and give away another half. I would practice austerities in this form until all devas up to the Akanistha heaven and those of Saha Buddha field would approach, paying homage to me and would be witness to my austerities. 

-I. Yamada ed., Karunapundarika, 1968, vol. I, p. 242