Maitreya Bodhisattva

PAKISTAN

The statue represents Maitreya Bodhisattva a common subject in the art of Gandhara. The Bodhisattva is portrayed with a mustached face, a topknot, and an abundance of curly hair falling over the shoulders. A lower garment is secured around the waist, while a wide stole wraps one shoulder and arm before looping over the skirt to the other arm. Among the jewelry on the upper body is a collar, a necklace and a beaded band worn diagonally across the chest. The figure’s sandals are secured with a lion’s head ornament. Some researchers have suggested that the figure centered on the collar may be a protective deity.
Several parts of the statue are missing, including the nimbus, while the mortise that secured the right arm is visible. The section in front of the pedestal depicts Maitreya in Tusita Heaven. The central figure is seated on a lotus throne in the meditation posture and surrounded by figures making offerings.