Last Existence: Presentation of the Bowls, Unidentified scene

Part of a frieze of small stupa depicting scenes from the Last Existence. The recessed base includes a decorated band with a straight festoon with opposite lanceolate leaves between two plain fillets, a plain torus, and a double thin fillet. The cornice has a double wavy line between plain fillets. On the top of the relief there are numerous tool marks, and, at each end, a socket for cramp. The scenes are separated by encased semi-columns of Gandharan-Persepolitan type with incised horizontal bands on the shaft and with a saw-teeth motif on the modillion and all around the frame. The first scene depicts the Presentation of the Bowls. After the two merchants Trapuṣa and Bhallika saw the Buddha meditating under a tree and offered him food, the lokapālas of the four directions each provide a bowl for the Buddha to collect the offering. To avoid offending anyone by refusing their gift, the Buddha merges the four bowls into one. In the centre of the scene sits the Buddha under a tree. The Buddha is sitting in dhyānamudrā and padmāsana over a seat decorated by a wavy garland. He is wrapped in the saṃghāti with covered hands and feet. Four male figures – two on each side – bring offers to the Buddha, only the figures on the left still have a visible bowl in their hands. The remnant figures all wear turbans and jewels. The next scene only preserves two standing devotees in left profile. They both appear to wear long garments and high headdress (maybe a turban).