Northern Wei Dynasty, 386-534 AD. A gilt-bronze figure, influenced by the Gandharan style or that of the neighbouring region of Uddiyana, of Shakyamuni Buddha modelled with hands clasped together in dhyana mudra and seated in dhyanasana posture on a throne flanked by two roaring lions; robes with U-shaped folds in the Mathuran style and the head with a prominent ushnisha, incised inscription to the reverse in four columns, translating approximately as: a 'dedication by Kang Shen requesting a peaceful life for his family', with Sutra on front legs of four-legged podium. See Dr. Naiki, S., Similarities and Differences in Gandharan Sculptures Among Regions, Thursday 22nd to Friday 23rd March 2018, The Geography of Gandharan Art: 2nd Workshop of the Gandhara Connections Project, Classical Art Research Centre, University of Oxford. 211 grams, 14cm (5 1/2"). Acquired for the ‘Buckingham Collection’ by the late Nik Douglas (1944-2012), renowned author, curator and Asian art expert; the collection formed from the early 1960s to early 1970s; this piece was scheduled to be included in an exhibition entitled ‘Treasures from the Silk Road: Gandhara to Xi’an’, to be held in London from November 2012, but sadly his death prevented this; accompanied by copies of the relevant proposed 2012 exhibition catalogue pages, and a transcription of the Chinese characters inscribed on the piece. Gandhara was a principal gateway through which Buddhism spread to China. Academic research conducted after the death of Nik Douglas (above) explains that Gandharan sculpture has been found in neighbouring regions, such as in Uddiyana. Sculpture from the Gandharan and Uddiyana regions has similar characteristics and as a result has often remained undifferentiated. As a result of this recent research however, it is becoming more feasible to identify distinctions between the sculpture of these different regions. Fine condition.