A Majestic Gray Schist Figure of a Bodhisattva Ancient Region of Gandhara, 3rd/4th Century

Indian & Southeast Asian Art From the MacLean Collection

A Majestic Gray Schist Figure of a Bodhisattva

Ancient Region of Gandhara, 3rd/4th Century

Height 48¾ in. (123.8 cm)

The exquisitely carved, magisterial sculpture of the bodhisattva with well-modeled physique, his proper left hand resting on his hip, clad in a dhoti secured at the waist, a finely-pleated diaphanous scarf draped over his upper body, richly adorned with an elaborate suite of jewelry including a diadem, armbands, necklaces, strings of amulets, bracelets and a ring, his youthful face bearing a serene expression. His flowing tresses are crowned by a turban whose loose ends are artfully arranged in the manner of a fluttering scarf on the large halo resting on his shoulders and framing his head. His proper right hand, now missing, would have likely displayed abhayamudra or the gesture of protection. The halo has a prominent cavity in its apex by which the sculpture would have been secured to a pillar or wall in a shrine by means of a large peg.