Sahri Bahlol: Maitreya Bodhisattva

PAKISTAN, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar

This Gandharan statue of Maitreya is thought to be modeled on the conventional image of a brahmin. Maitreya’s hair has been fashioned into an elaborate headdress, held in place by a beaded net. An urna is located between the eyebrows. The powerful torso and arms of the figure are richly ornamented with jewelry, while a stole descends from one shoulder over the arms. The skirt swathes the crossed legs where the folds are prominently carved. The hand that remains is raised to touch the necklace. The vase that is often featured with Maitreya is carved in relief beneath the figure. The vase is flanked by two pairs of reverential devotees while curtains frame the outer edges, and beyond them are other figures.