the couple seated beside each other with their child behind, a further figure below the goddess, mounted, 16.5 x 15 x 7.5cm

Provenance: Formerly property of a deceased British diplomat, thence by inheritance

This divine couple are an important part of Gandharan Buddhist iconography, with Hariti representing fertility and motherhood, while Panchika symbolises wealth. They are often depicted with evidence of their wealth and abundance, and the undulations beneath their feet may represent bags of money. Hariti is thought to have evolved from the Greek goddess of fortune, Tyche, who often carries a cornucopia like that depicted here in Hariti's left hand. Amongst the best known representations of this subject from Gandhara is the example in the British Museum (inv. no.1950,0726.2), see https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_1950-0726-2