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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