Lot 1257. A reddish-brown sandstone triad, 6th century; 21¾ in. (55.2 cm.) high. Estimate USD 20,000 - USD 30,000. Price realised USD 52,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

The front is carved in high relief with Buddha seated in vajrasana on a lotus pedestal base, with right hand raised, probably in abhaya mudra, and left hand held in varada mudra. The figure is flanked by two bodhisattvas holding ritual objects, including an elixir bottle, and wearing ribbon-hung crowns and long scarves that fall in loops across the bodies and arms. All are backed by a leaf-shaped mandorla bearing traces of dark green and red pigment, and are raised on a rectangular plinth carved on one end with an inscription.