Maitreya
Northwest Pakistan, Ancient Region of Gandhara
Late 2nd century - Early 3rd century AD, Kushan Period
grey schist
58.5 cm (23 inches)

A grey schist figure of Maitreya, the Buddha of the future, in the guise of a prince, seated in padmasana, holding a bottle in his left hand, the missing right hand would probably originally have been in a gesture of blessing, wearing a simply draped robe and shawl, necklaces and basubands. His long, curly hair falls down behind the shoulders, and is drawn up into an usnisha. He wears a moustache and his face has a serene expression. He is seated on a cushion with looped decoration at the right hand edge of which stands a small donor figure.

Itemcode: c0016