Standing Bodhisattva

PAKISTAN

Due to the lack of distinct attributes, the figure’s identification cannot be confirmed but is thought to be a representation of another Bodhisattva. This typical Gandharan sculpture is believed to depict Prince Siddhartha before his enlightenment. The elaborate turban is fronted with a crest typical of the Kushan nobility of the time and found in depictions of the Buddha’s family in stupa reliefs. Heavy jewelry is worn in the ears, on the arms, and over the muscular torso. Signs of the Bodhisattva’s spiritual greatness exist in the urna between the eyebrows, the elongated earlobes, and three lines on the neck, as well as in the nimbus behind the head. A wide stole is worn over the left shoulder in the Gandharan style, looping down over the skirt, where the left hand holds it in place, and then folded over the right forearm. The figure stands with left knee bent and wears thong sandals secured at the ankle.