The ancient region of northeastern Afghanistan and northwestern Pakistan was situated at a confluence of trading paths along the Silk Route, an area was flooded in cultural influences ranging from Greece to China. After the conquests of Alexander the Great, the creation of Greco-Bactrian kingdoms, and the general Hellenization of the subcontinent, Western aesthetical tastes became prominent. Greek influence began to permeate into the arts and culture. Eventually, the Bactrian Kingdom was absorbed by the nomadic Kushan tribes, who settled in the region and went on to establish their own dynasty. The area flourished under the Kushan and their greatest king, Kanishka, who traditionally given credit for further spreading the philosophies of Buddhism throughout central Asia and into China. This period is viewed as the most important era in the history of Buddhism.The body of this vessel is globular in form. The vessel slopes inwards and the shoulder and rises to the tapering neck. Such a container may have once held water or wine, or even grain. The exterior is decorated with a lively painted scene. The style of the painting is consistent with other Kushan works. A frieze of native flora and fauna has been depicted. Birds fly above while wild boars frolic amongst the towering flowers. The decoration may be simple embellishment, or the animals and plants may symbolically rrefer to a particular myth or proverb. This terracotta vessel is a lovely example of the art of the Kushans, who ruled over one of the most important stages in the early spread of Buddhism throughout the Far East. - (LO.602)

Antiquities
Ancient Asian