Column Capital

PAKISTAN

This type of Indo-Corinthian capital was an important part of Gandharan architecture and most likely crowned a column. The center of the sculpture includes a Bodhisattva sitting in full lotus position on a lotus throne and forming the dhyana (meditation) mudra. A robe covers the left shoulder while the rest of the upper body is bare. The lower body is clothed in a long dhoti. There is a canopy of large acanthus leaves above the Bodhisattva. Heavenly beings or ascetics sit in the royal ease posture on either side of the Bodhisattva with palms joined to pay respect. Other decorations include lotuses and vines.