Buddha Gray Schist Ancient Region of Gandhara, Kushan Period

A figure of the Buddha, leaning forwards, seated on a beaded cushion set onto a throne with stylized lion legs flanking a bas-relief, his hands forming the preaching gesture (dharmachakra mudra), wearing monastic robes covering one shoulder and draped in a semi-circle over his legs revealing the soles of his feet. His face is shown in serious thought, the almond-shaped eyes half closed and the square jaw set firmly. He has the mark of nobility and illumination (urna) carved in relief on his forehead.

Carlo Monzino Collection

The hands form a combination of mudras, the left hand indicates ‘knowledge’ (jnana mudra) while the right hand indicates ‘explanation’ (vyakhyana mudra) and the two together form dharmachakra mudra, a posture referring to the Buddha’s first sermon delivered in the deer park in Sarnath, setting the wheel of law (dharmachakra) into motion. It is one of the most important events in the life of the Buddha and the piece can be compared to a figure in the British Museum, published Zwalf, W.; Gandhara Sculpture in the British Museum, London, 1996, p. 23, fig. 26.