Buddha | The Bodhisattva Maitreya, anonymous, 700 - 900
bronze (metal), h 17.3cm × w 9.5cm × d 5.5cm More details
The aureole of flames around the body and head of the Buddha ends in a point. This is typical of Kashmiri sculpture from this period. His right hand makes the gesture of reassurance (abhaya mudra). In his left hand Maitreya holds a flask with nectar of immortality, his usual attribute. His right hand makes a gesture that occurs only in the art of Kashmir and Gandhara, the meaning of which remains unknown.
