Maker unknown, Gandharan

ca. 2-4th century CE

grey schist

9 1/2 x 6 1/4 x 6 1/4 in.

The first images of the Buddha that appear in anthropomorphic form are from Mathura and Gandhara (present day Pakistan). Typical characteristics of a Gandharan Buddha is wavy hair with a top-bun that represents an ushnisha, downcast eyes, and elongated ears. Gandhara was in the center of the trade route between the south, east and west, which allowed for a style now described as Indo-Greek, hence the appearance Buddha’s Apollo-like youthfulness merged with an Indian religious subject matter. This Buddha exemplifies the standard for sculptures of the Buddha of this region and period.

ca. 2-4th century CE

Grace H. Dreyfus Collection

1981.115