Last Existence: Simultaneous Birth

Fragment of a figured frieze originally consisting of two superimposed registers, the lower one representing episodes of the Last Existence of the Buddha, and the upper one is not preserved. The dividing band is carved with a motif that is not discernible. The lower register depicts two scenes separated by an encased pillar of the Gandharan-Corinthian type. The base consists of a plain fillet. Short vertical marks of a large flat chisel can be seen on the back face. The scene on the left is heavily damaged, only the remnants of a seated figure in a pavillion terrace with a railing-shaped parapet is visible. Two heads are looking out of the balcony. The scene on the right represents the Simultaneous Birth. According to Buddhist textual accounts, Chandaka, Siddhārtha's groom, and Kaṇṭhaka, a marvellous white horse, were born on the same day as Siddhārtha, and became the Bodhisattva’s favourites. A mare in profile looking left is feeding her foal, Kaṇṭhaka, which is standing under her abdomen. Next to them is a female figure sitting and holding the infant Chandaka in her lap. In the background, two horse heads are carved. Of the upper register, only the remnants of the feet of a figure are visible on the left.