when: 31 July 2025 - 06 September 2025 | venue: Rochfort Gallery | cost: Free | address: 317 Pacific Highway, North Sydney NSW 2060 | website: https://rochfortgallery.com/event/private-collection-2025-08-02-2025-09-06-86/register
published: 28 Jul 2025, 5 min read
The Gandhara Collection: Introduction to Gandhara Art
The Gandhara Kingdom, which thrived from the 1st century BCE to the 5th century CE, holds a remarkable place in history as a cultural and artistic bridge between East and West. Nestled in a region that today covers parts of northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan, Gandhara stood at the heart of the ancient Silk Road-an essential artery of commerce and cultural exchange that connected the Hellenistic world, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.
The Gandhara Kingdom, which thrived from the 1st century BCE to the 5th century CE, holds a remarkable place in history as a cultural and artistic bridge between East and West. Nestled in a region that today covers parts of northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan, Gandhara stood at the heart of the ancient Silk Road-an essential artery of commerce and cultural exchange that connected the Hellenistic world, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.
It was within this unique setting that Gandharan art flourished, reaching its height under the patronage of the Kushan Empire (circa 30-375 CE). The Gandharan art is instantly recognisable for its masterful blend of Greco-Roman realism, Persian detail, and Indian spirituality. Sculptures from this period are particularly admired for their naturalistic drapery, serene and contemplative expressions, and finely carved narrative panels that bring to life episodes from the Buddha's journey.
The collection presented here was carefully assembled and acquired around the 1960s and 1970s, the collection carries significant historical value and is considered one of the finest private holdings of Gandharan art. Many of its pieces are comparable in quality and importance to those housed in some of the world's most respected institutions.
These exceptional pieces not only capture the artistic excellence of Gandhara but also reflect the spirit of cultural exchange that defined the ancient world. They offer us a rare and intimate window into a time when borders were fluid, ideas travelled freely, and art flourished at the intersection of great civilizations.
Curator: Nicholas Tsoutas
Exhibition dates: 30 July to 6 September 2025
Venue: Rochfort Gallery, 317 Pacific Highway, North Sydney, NSW 2060
Opening event: Saturday, 2 August 2025, 1pm to 3pm
Content from UpNext.com.au. Please don't scrape website.
The Gandhara Collection: Introduction to Gandhara Art
The Gandhara Kingdom, which thrived from the 1st century BCE to the 5th century CE, holds a remarkable place in history as a cultural and artistic bridge between East and West. Nestled in a region that today covers parts of northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan, Gandhara stood at the heart of the ancient Silk Road-an essential artery of commerce and cultural exchange that connected the Hellenistic world, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.
The Gandhara Kingdom, which thrived from the 1st century BCE to the 5th century CE, holds a remarkable place in history as a cultural and artistic bridge between East and West. Nestled in a region that today covers parts of northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan, Gandhara stood at the heart of the ancient Silk Road-an essential artery of commerce and cultural exchange that connected the Hellenistic world, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.
It was within this unique setting that Gandharan art flourished, reaching its height under the patronage of the Kushan Empire (circa 30-375 CE). The Gandharan art is instantly recognisable for its masterful blend of Greco-Roman realism, Persian detail, and Indian spirituality. Sculptures from this period are particularly admired for their naturalistic drapery, serene and contemplative expressions, and finely carved narrative panels that bring to life episodes from the Buddha's journey.
The collection presented here was carefully assembled and acquired around the 1960s and 1970s, the collection carries significant historical value and is considered one of the finest private holdings of Gandharan art. Many of its pieces are comparable in quality and importance to those housed in some of the world's most respected institutions.
These exceptional pieces not only capture the artistic excellence of Gandhara but also reflect the spirit of cultural exchange that defined the ancient world. They offer us a rare and intimate window into a time when borders were fluid, ideas travelled freely, and art flourished at the intersection of great civilizations.
Curator: Nicholas Tsoutas
Exhibition dates: 30 July to 6 September 2025
Venue: Rochfort Gallery, 317 Pacific Highway, North Sydney, NSW 2060
Opening event: Saturday, 2 August 2025, 1pm to 3pm
Go see Private Collection of Gandhara 2025.
Private Collection of Gandhara 2025 is on 31 July 2025 - 06 September 2025. See start and end times below. Conveniently located in Sydney. Call 0422 039 834 for details. Visit their website at https://rochfortgallery.com/event/private-collection-2025-08-02-2025-09-06-86/register.
Are we missing something? Help us improve this article. Reach out to us.
Event Details
Are you looking for 'Things To Do' ideas?
Sydney Upnext Team
Hey Sydney siders! I'm your dedicated UpNext scout, on a mission to navigate the bustling streets and scenic byways of our harbour city to deliver the best deals and lifestyle tips. From the iconic Opera House to the surfers' paradise at Bondi Beach, I'm out and about uncovering the crème de la crème of shopping, dining, and entertainment in Sydney. Need to know the hippest pop-up shops or the latest arts festival? I've got you covered. Catch my daily dose of Sydney life and insider tips on Instagram @UpnextSydney. I share real-time finds, from sample sales to Sydney's secret dining spots, and everything in between. For locals and tourists wanting to get the most out of this vibrant city, follow me for a curated guide to living large and spending smart in Sydney. Join the journey, and let's make every day in Sydney an adventure to remember!
