Mathura: King Kaniska

INDIA, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura

The sculpture was unearthed from Mathura. The statue is identified by a inscription in Kharosthi carved across the bottom of the coat and inner garment. It reads, “Great king, king among kings, the emperor Kaniska,” which makes this the sole attested representation of the Buddhist king. The carving is predominantly linear, apart from the stylized swirls on the inner garment and the wrinkling of the boots.
The king wears an outer coat that reaches to the calf over a belted inner garment.
Long boots cinched about the ankles face stiffly outwards. The ringed right hand rests on a jointed baton of office with a water beast engraved near the tip. The figure’s left hand grasps the pommel of a long sword, the scabbard of which is embellished with honeysuckle patterns.