Lot 2342

Description

Kanishka I, (c.A.D. 232-260), gold stater, (7.80 grams), obv. king standing, head turned left, holding tall standard in left hand, sacrificing with right hand over cylindrical altar, flames emanate from his shoulders, legend around, rev. four-armed Siva (Oehsho) nimbate, standing to left, holding the damaru (drum), vase and ankusa in his left hands, the trident in his upper right hand, and holds the horns of a mriga (an antelope) in his lower right hand, behind legend downwards OkpO, (Gobl 37, cf.M.3064). Very fine and rare.

Ex. Carnegie Museum Collection and Spink London Sale 30, June 3, 1983 (lot 428 illustrated). $$ A similar specimen was present in our sale 48 (lot 2246) which realised $814. This type was not present in the Dr. Lawrence Brilliant Collection of Kushan gold, in the Spink-Taisei, Singapore sale 9. The animal held by Siva is either the mriga antelope or a goat, the latter being more commonly associated with this deity, however the horns are more those of an antelope than a goat. Siva as Oehsho of the lower world, was lord of all, giver of life, receiver of the dead and the judge of the underworld.