Such finds are part of a growing body of evidence that shows just how interconnected the Roman Empire was to its ancient Indian counterpart. Born in what is now Syria, he ruled the Roman Empire from 244 to 249 C.E. Among them is an inscription in Sanskrit dating to the reign of the emperor Marcus Julius Philippus, known as Phillip the Arab. Recent excavations at Berenike have revealed other items that suggest a similar cultural blending. Goods such as ivory, textiles and semi-precious metals passed through the city for many years, until it was eventually abandoned around the sixth century C.E. A halo around the statue’s head is covered with rays of sun, “which indicates his radiant mind,” says the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in a statement, per Google Translate.įounded in the third century B.C.E., Berenike eventually became one of the largest ports in Roman-controlled Egypt, according to the antiquities ministry. Made from Mediterranean marble, it provides new evidence of trade between ancient Rome and India.īased on stylistic details, the researchers think it was made in Alexandria around the second century C.E.

The artifact is the first Buddha ever found west of Afghanistan, according to the New York Review of Books’ William Dalrymple. Measuring 2' tall and 1' wide, the panel on which the plump, smiling Buddha is attached measures 2-1/3' by 1-1/2'.Researchers have discovered a two-foot-tall Buddha statue in Berenike, an ancient Egyptian port city.

The necklace weighs 47.6 grams while each earring weighs 7.9 grams making the set weigh 63.4 grams in total. While there is some minor loss to the enamel on each Buddha, the set remains in very good condition and will make an excellent addition to any well rounded collection. In total, the earrings measure 1 ½' long and ¾' wide. Hinged clips allow for secure and comfortable wear and meet the ear with small, gold-tone pagoda shapes. These are affixed to gold-tone panels depicting carefully detailed ornamentation, with a patently Thai aesthetic. The jewelry was hallmarked 'Art' from 1950-1980 and used a copyright symbol also after 1955.Ī wonderful box chain measuring 20' adds an air of subtle elegance to the piece and features a secure fold over clasp.Įach earring depicts a single lime-green enamel Buddha, both of which measure 1' tall and 5/8' wide. The necklace, from the timeless design company Art, features a stunning, lime-green enamel Buddha affixed to meticulously detailed, gold-tone panel.Īrthur Pepper founded Mode-Art in the 1940s in New York. This extraordinary necklace and earring set is as chic as it is unique.

Buddha by Demi