Standing Bodhisattva

Standing Bodhisattva

Gandhara

3rd-4th Century

Schist

158 cm

102C Ancient Splendor from India: Indian Buddhist Sculpture
Gandhara was an important place of origin for the development of Buddhist art. Gandharan Buddhist carvings are noted not only by characteristics influenced by Hellenistic art, but also by their effects in the development of Buddhist art extending along the Silk Road. The features of this bodhisattva fully reflect the Gandharan style: a graceful face and robust chest resembling the beauty of the Greek god Apollo; richly decorated Brahmin necklace, lion earrings, armlets and bracelets, and cascading braided hair. His crown can be dismantled and reassembled by dovetail joints. Standing on a square pedestal wearing shoes, in an expression of peace and firm resolution, the bodhisattva epitomizes the spirit of the Mahayana ideal to bring benefits to all sentient beings. In its artistic techniques, this piece resembles the Mahaban standing bodhisattva statue at the Guimet Museum in France.
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