In Gandharan art the bodhisattvas with a princely appearance are Avalokiteshvara, Maitreya, and Prince Siddhartha. Vajrapani is usually featured as the protector of the Buddha, often depicted like an elderly man with long hair and a beard, dressed in a loin cloth and sometimes an upper garment.
2nd-3rd century, Gandhara, bodhisattva, stone, 32,5 cm, Auction 1235 lot 1, 8th December 2023, Lempertz
Maitreya is identified by the lotus-shaped water pot he holds by the neck, either with his left hand or with both.
3rd-4th century, Gandhara, Seated Bodhisattva, schist, object nº AC 1974.1, photo on Mead Art Museum at Amherst College, Massachussetts (USA).
Avalokiteshvara holds an open lotus, either in his left hand or in both.
3rd-4th century, Gandhara, bodhisattva, schist, 123,8 cm, Indian & Southeast Art from the MacLean Collection, lot 359, 20th September 2021, Sotheby’s
When standing, Prince Siddhartha often has his left hand on his hip and the right one raised in the gesture of reassurance.
2nd-3rd century, Gandhara, Narrative Relief, schist, 20,7 cm, photo by Joan Anastasia Raducha, NG454 on Nimogram
Vajrapani usually stands near the Buddha, holding a large upright vajra sceptre in one of his hands.
Himalayan Buddhist Art - Art Bouddhiste de l'Himalaya 