VERY RARE AND FINE SITTING LIGHT GREY SCHIST BODHISATTVA.
Origin: Gandhara.
3rd. c. AD.
Light grey schist.
Exquisitely carved and extremely well-preserved; this relatively large museum-quality
sculpture of a seated Bodhisattva is exceptionally rare. Seated on the upper of two
pillows supported by a throne that is partly covered by a finely pleated cloth and
decorated with a stylized lion`s paw on each side; he contemplates in meditation posture
with his hands performing the meditation gesture (dhyana mudra). The figure is identified
as a Bodhisattva by his turban and his rich jewellery consisting of multiple necklaces and
a chain with small amulet containers. The most distinctive feature of the present
Bodhisattva is the inverted half-blooming lotus flower; whose stem he is holding between
the thumb and index finger of his proper left hand.
Measurement: Height 51cm; width 28cm; depth 9.5cm.
Frame/Pedestal: Mounted on a metal base.


Provenance:
European private collection.

Literature:
Isao Kurita: Gandharan Art II; The World of the Buddha; 1990; p. 55; ill. 135 and 136; compare two smaller seated Bodhisattvas with inverted lotus.

Seated Bodhisattvas holding an inverted lotus are very rare and are usually identified as Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara; the Bodhisattva of compassion. His delicately sculpted; pensively smiling face exudes a great spiritual aura.
Art trade; Van Ham.