Gandhara Bodhisattva, Kushan period c 2nd–3rd century AD

An expressive high relief of a standing Bodhisattva carved from grey schist, made in ancient Gandhara (present-day northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan) during the Kushan period.
The figure presents the Bodhisattva as a youthful prince with a calm, inward-looking expression. The face, with almond-shaped eyes, finely arched brows and the urna on the forehead, combines Indian iconography with the Hellenistic-Roman sense of form so characteristic of Gandharan art. The wavy hair is gathered into an elaborate looped topknot, a hairstyle typical of depictions of Maitreya, the Buddha of the future.
The rich jewellery is particularly noteworthy: a decorated torque, a long cord with amulet cases crossing the chest, heavy earrings and an armlet on the right upper arm. The muscular torso is bare; a shawl falls in finely carved folds over the left shoulder and sweeps in deep curves across the lower garment (dhoti). Part of the halo is preserved behind the head.

Condition:
Age-appropriate condition with chips and surface wear. Right forearm and left hand missing; lower part of the figure (legs) not preserved. Minor damage to the nose. Remains of earth deposits on the surface. Face and upper body very well preserved, with crisp, legible detail.