Sakyamuni Buddha and Maitreya Bodhisattva

PAKISTAN; Kushan period

Maitreya is sometimes depicted with the Seven Buddhas of the Past in Gandharan Buddhist sculptures. This rare relief pairs Maitreya with Sakymuni alone. Vajradhara, the Buddha’s Dharma protector, stands behind the Buddha’s left shoulder while a younger attendant is located behind Maitreya. Sakymuni is differentiated with a usnisa and the monastic robe that covers both shoulders. Maitreya wears only a stole, some jewelry, and a folded skirt while the figure’s hair is tied in a topknot. Both figures have their hands in the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra but Maitreya also holds a vase. Ornately patterned canopies shade the figures above.