Last Existence: Cutting of a Bundle of Reeds

Part of a figured frieze showing the Cutting of a Bundle of Reeds. Siddhārtha is asked to cut a bundle of reeds in one sword blow; at first, he seems to fail, but actually the cut was so sharp that the severed part of the bundle remains in place. The scene is encased by a framed pilaster of the Gandharan-Corinthian type. The base is plain. Siddhārtha is shown twice at the sides of a bunch of reeds, both figures are looking at each other. The figure on the right is frontal, while that on the left is back-turned. They both hold a lobed-shaped shield in the left hand and a sword in the right, and both wear a loincloth and earrings. They have long hair and a nimbus.