Gandhara, Maitreya (7)

1st-2nd century, Gandhara, Maitreya, stone, at the Indian Museum in Kolkata (India).

In Gandharan art the future buddha usually holds a ritual water pot by the neck in his left hand and wears his hair gathered in a topknot held in place with a beaded band.

Circa 2nd century, Gandhara, Maitreya, stone, from Loriyan Tangai, photo as before, item 4956/A23194 at the Indian Museum, Kolkata (India).

He wears princely jewellery (large earrings, three necklaces, armbands, bracelets), a string of amulet boxes, a shawl worn on the left shoulder and arm, across the lap, and over the right elbow.

2nd-3rd century, Gandhara, Maitreya, schist, private collection, photo on Christie’s, Amsterdam .

He often sits on a lotus base, with his legs locked in the vajra position.

3rd-4th century, Gandhara, Maitreya and devotees, grey schist, private collection, auction 18241 lot 612, 23rd September 2020, Christie’s.

The above is seated on a throne with his ankles crossed and his feet placed on a small stool below.

3rd-5th century, Gandhara, Maitreya, schist, private collection, photo on lot-art .

Maitreya standing on a lotus pedestal, his right hand dispelling fear, the left one holding a water pot (nearly always shaped like a lotus bud).