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Figure, of the Buddha

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from north-west Pakistan

Postcard of Figure, of the Buddha.
000-180-001-246-C
© National Museums Scotland

Figure, of the Buddha

This fragmented figure of the Buddha dates from around the late 2nd to the early 3rd century. It is from the area of modern north-west Pakistan, ancient Gandhara. It is carved in grey hornblende schist.

The Buddha is nimbed, dressed in a monastic robe and stands on a low pedestal with column supports. Originally, his right arm would have been raised with the right hand in a gesture of reassurance (abhaya mudra). The left hand held on to the edge of his robe. The Buddha's face is full of otherworldly concentration. On his forehead, a distinctive mole becomes known as one of the Buddha's characteristics in Gandharan iconography. His hair is gathered into a top knot, the ushnisha. This is a symbolic reminder that the Buddha came from a warrior background and warriors of his lineage did not cut their hair. The front of the pedestal is sculptured with a group featuring Maitreya, the future Buddha, seated with a water flagon in his left hand and two worshippers flanking him on either side.

The Buddha is a historical figure who lived in India around the late 6th or early 5th century BC. Originally, a young chieftain of the name of Siddhartha, he abandoned his privileged life and his family to seek enlightenment. Early Buddhism was a missionary religion and the Buddha's followers spread his teaching throughout India and beyond to China, Korea, Japan and south-east Asia.


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Online ID: 000-180-001-246-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1935.553
Date: Around the late 2nd or early 3rd century AD
c. 200
Material: Hornblende schist
Dimensions: 42.00" H
What: Sculpture / figure / Buddha
Subject: Sculpture
Who: Buddha
Maitreya
Where: India, Gandhara
Event:
Description: Figure carved in hornblende schist of Gautama Buddha nimbed and standing on a low throne with column supports: Indo-Greek, Gandhara School, c. 200
References:
Translations:
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