Maitreya Buddha in Abhayamudra

Description

This sculpture shows the Vajrayana bodhisattva Maitreya- described as a 'future Buddha-to-be', following the Seven Historical Buddhas (saptamanusi Buddha)- as per the Digha Nikaya. His physical description is found in Buddhist scripture- describing him as adorned with earrings, wristlets, amulets and necklaces. This particular sculpture depicts him in a posture of fearlessness (abhayamudra). The style is clearly that of the Mathura school- where one can make out the cloth details distinctly, along with details on his torso- including his clothing and jewellery. One also notes calmness in his facial expression, along with a fairly large but simple prabhamandala. The sculpture likely dates to the Kushana period, having undergone some chipping in some areas over time- including the face.