Untitled

Unknown

ca. 3rd–4th century · Schist · Asian Art

Such Buddha images were found in great numbers in the public sacred precincts of Gandhara. The Buddha’s right hand, now damaged, would have been held in abhaya mudra, a gesture of approachability. He wears the robes of a monk, but his urna (the dot on his forehead) and his extended earlobes denote his status as the Buddha. On the base of the sculpture is a seated figure of Maitreya, the Buddha of the future, who is being venerated by a man and woman who are likely the donors of this image.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 3rd–4th century

Medium

Schist

Culture

Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Bequest of Adra M. Newell, 1966