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| Buddha |
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| Pakistan, Gandhara area; Kushan period (late 1st - 3rd century C.E.), late 2nd - early 3rd century C.E. |
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| Phyllite |
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| H. 72 in. (182.9 cm) |
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| Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection of Asian Art |
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| 1979.003 |
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| Incorporating stylistic elements of Greek and Roman sculpture, this large, standing Buddha typifies the art of Gandhara. The Buddha wears the traditional garments of an Indian monk, a long cloth wrapped around the waist and another long shawl draped over the shoulders. Western prototypes are evident in the representation of the garment, which resembles a toga, as well as in the treatment of the Buddha's facial features and wavy hair. Indian traditions are visible in the superhuman physical marks (lakshanas) that convey the advanced spiritual state of the Buddha. These include the bump on top of the Buddha's head (ushnisha) and the small circle between his eyebrows (urna). The statue's right hand, now broken off, was most likely raised with the palm facing outwards, the gesture of reassurance (abhaya mudra). |
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