Kushan-Era Gandhara Grey Schist Standing Bodhisattva (Maitreya-Type), Abhaya Gesture, Relief Base Narrative, Monumental 107cm Stone Sculpture (2nd–3rd c.)

Monumental Gandhara Standing Bodhisattva in Grey Schist

This is monumental Gandhara presence in its most direct form: a standing Bodhisattva carved in grey schist at a commanding 107 cm height. The figure does not rely on theatrical motion. Instead, it stands as an engineered calm—weight distributed with certainty, body modeled with classical restraint, and drapery carved to behave like architecture rather than fabric.

The face carries the Gandhara signature: lowered eyelids, disciplined features, and a moustache that adds worldly gravity without tipping into portraiture. It reads as a being who has lived within the world and chosen clarity—an image of awakened nobility that is human enough to be trusted and authoritative enough to anchor a room.

The right hand is raised in an open-palm gesture of reassurance (often read as the “fear-not” gesture). It is not aggressive; it is protective. The left hand holds a small vessel form—an attribute commonly associated with Maitreya-type Bodhisattva images in Gandhara traditions (exact naming can vary; see Confidence & Verification Notes). Together, the gestures make the sculpture legible even from distance: a guardian-guide presence, calm first, power second.

What makes the piece especially compelling is its sculptural language of control. The torso is modeled with confident mass; the ornamentation reads as courtly but not indulgent—necklaces and bands that acknowledge the Bodhisattva’s compassionate engagement with the world. The robe folds descend in rhythmic arcs and layered bands, creating a visual cadence that feels both classical and meditative. In this tradition, drapery is not decoration—it is structure that teaches steadiness.

At the base, the relief carving introduces a second register: figures arranged in a narrative band that functions like a condensed teaching frieze. Even without decoding each motif, the viewer receives the message: this Bodhisattva stands not as an isolated icon, but as a presence supported by community, vow, and story.

Because Gandhara art belongs to the wider Silk Road formation—associated primarily with regions of present-day Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan—this sculpture expands a Japan-based Buddhist collection into “Buddhism before national styles.” It is a root-image: the early dialect of form that later travels, transforms, and becomes localized across Asia. In a contemporary interior, it reads as museum-grade authority without needing spectacle.

Condition is consistent with ancient stone medium and age. The frontal carving retains strong silhouette and modeling; surface variations, edge softness, and weathering should be understood as part of the object’s long biography rather than modern damage. For complete certainty on workshop, dating, and attribute identification, in-hand examination and comparative study are recommended (see Confidence & Verification Notes).

Key Facts

• Object type: Stone Buddhist figure (standing Bodhisattva, Maitreya-type attribution probable)
• Material: Grey schist (Gandhara stone)
• Dimensions: Height 107 cm; Width 36 cm; Depth 20 cm
• Period: Kushan-era / Gandhara horizon (commonly 2nd–3rd century; see Confidence & Verification Notes)
• Customs: HS Code: 9706.00 | Country of Origin: Pakistan (Gandhara region, ancient)

Collector Relevance

A monumental anchor work with high legibility and strong silhouette—suited to serious collectors, institutions, and interiors that require one object to carry the space. This scale is rare in collector circulation, and the gesture-and-attribute combination makes it readable across cultures.

Collector’s Resonance

For the collector who prefers quiet authority to drama. For those building a timeline—objects that explain how Buddhist form evolves across Asia. If you want one piece that functions as a reference point rather than a decoration, this is that category.

Who Is This Deity?

• Bodhisattva: A being committed to awakening who remains available to assist others; often portrayed with ornaments to signify compassionate engagement with the world.
• Maitreya-type (probable): In Gandhara traditions, a vessel attribute is often linked to Maitreya imagery; exact identification varies by workshop and scholarly convention.
• Abhaya gesture (fear-not): Open palm gesture of protection and reassurance—calm strength expressed as posture.
• Gandhara tradition: A Buddhist art tradition formed at a crossroads of cultures; known for naturalistic anatomy, deep drapery folds, and a distinctive noble calm in faces.

Explore the Library

• Buddhist Statues & Sacred Art (Pillar)
• Bodhisattva Guide (Subpillar)
• Gandhara Buddhist Art (Subpillar)

Shipping & Logistics

• Customs: HS Code: 9706.00 | Country of Origin: Pakistan (Gandhara region, ancient)
• Estimated item weight: ~45 kg (stone)
• Safe packaged weight estimate: ~60 kg (crate or double-box + foam bracing + edge guards)
• Estimated packed size: ~120 × 50 × 40 cm (protective clearance included)

Confidence & Verification Notes

Gandhara dating and deity identification can vary by workshop and scholarly convention. This figure is best cataloged as a standing Bodhisattva in grey schist within the Kushan-era horizon. The vessel attribute supports a Maitreya-type reading, but exact naming should be treated as probable without in-hand examination, comparative references, and material study.

Return to the parent collection: Buddhist Statues & Sacred Art

Explore the Collection

To browse related sacred works and Buddhist articles curated under the same standards, explore our Buddhist Statues & Sacred Art collection.

Authenticity & Stewardship

Evaluated under the Japonista Authentication Framework™:

• Material, carving, and surface-study comparison
• Iconographic and stylistic verification
• Condition and stability review (surface integrity)
• Construction assessment and handling-risk evaluation

Guaranteed 100% Authentic. Covered by the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™.

A Note on Stewardship and Collecting

At Japonista, we approach Buddhist statues, sacred images, and ritual objects not merely as collectibles, but as cultural and spiritual artifacts deserving of respect, understanding, and careful presentation. Every piece we offer is thoughtfully examined, researched, and curated with sensitivity to its origin, meaning, and historical role.

Our role is not only to offer access to rare and meaningful objects, but to serve as responsible custodians—connecting the right works with collectors who value depth, intention, and authenticity.

Inquiries, Availability, and Private Consideration

Some sacred works may allow room for discussion, while others are held firmly due to rarity, condition, or cultural importance. All inquiries are reviewed personally and discreetly, and we welcome thoughtful questions or expressions of interest.

If you are exploring a particular theme, deity, lineage, or period—or seeking guidance in building a focused collection—our concierge team is always available to assist with quiet expertise and care.

Concierge Support & Collector Guidance

Japonista Concierge™ provides personalized assistance for collectors seeking deeper understanding, thoughtful acquisition, or long-term curation strategies. Whether your interest is devotional, scholarly, or aesthetic, we are here to help guide your journey with clarity and respect.

For select high-value or historically significant works, private reservation or structured payment arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to discuss eligibility and discreet options.

Collector support: If you’re building a cross-Asia Buddhism timeline, we can recommend complementary pieces and reading paths inside the library pages above.

Before Proceeding

We kindly encourage collectors to review our shop policies and house guidelines, available through the links in our website footer, which outline shipping, handling, and conditions specific to vintage, sacred, and collectible works.

Cargo Shipping & Handling Notice

Due to the final packaged weight and/or dimensional requirements of this piece, standard parcel services such as Japan Post EMS, DHL, FedEx, or UPS are not applicable. This item will be shipped via cargo or freight-based shipping methods.

Cargo shipments require additional preparation time to ensure proper handling, which may include custom crating, reinforced packing, coordination with domestic logistics providers, and scheduling with international freight consolidators and export brokers. As a result, estimated delivery timelines typically range from 6 to 10 weeks, depending on routing, carrier availability, and customs clearance procedures in the destination country.

Please note that actual shipping costs may differ from automated shipping calculator estimates. By default, a portion of the expected shipping cost may be reflected in the listing price. Any difference or discrepancy will be quoted separately once destination, delivery method, and handling requirements are confirmed.

We kindly ask that collectors contact us prior to purchase to request an exact, customized shipping quotation for their destination. This ensures full transparency and allows us to arrange the most appropriate, secure, and efficient shipping solution for this piece.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we take the necessary care to deliver this work safely.

A Closing Note

Thank you for exploring Japonista’s collection of Buddhist statues, sacred art, and spiritual artifacts. We are honored to share these meaningful works and to help place them where they may continue to be appreciated, studied, and respected.

If you have questions or wish to explore related works, please feel free to contact Japonista Concierge™ at any time.

Curatorial note: Museum-grade objects benefit from thoughtful placement, stable climate, and professional handling on arrival. For institutional documentation requests or display planning, contact us for a clean object summary suitable for registrars.