Toh Gen Kyo vol.20 - MIHO MUSEUM

Of the many extant known examples of Gandharan standing buddhas, this image measuring 250 cm tall is renowned as a large buddha, along with the statue from the Peshawar Museum. The right hand, now missing, appears to have been raised in the gesture that dispels fear from Buddhist followers, called the abhaya-mudra. The left hand hangs down to hold his robe in a posture derived from the Greco-Roman style. The carving of the hair and garment as well as the softening of a rigid countenance suggest that this work dates to a period slightly after the reign of Kaniska I, which is said to be the height of Gandharan art. Apart from art historical consideration, this powerful sculpture captures the hearts of all its viewers and was the first work acquired for the South Wing.

	Pegasus Greek, c. 5th century B.C.
	Standing Buddha (detail) Gandhara, second half of the 2nd century A.D.
Of the many extant known examples of Gandharan standing buddhas, this image measuring 250 cm tall is renowned as a large buddha, along with the statue from the Peshawar Museum. The right hand, now missing, appears to have been raised in the gesture that dispels fear from Buddhist followers, called the abhaya-mudra. The left hand hangs down to hold his robe in a posture derived from the Greco-Roman style. The carving of the hair and garment as well as the softening of a rigid countenance suggest that this work dates to a period slightly after the reign of Kaniska I, which is said to be the height of Gandharan art. Apart from art historical consideration, this powerful sculpture captures the hearts of all its viewers and was the first work acquired for the South Wing.


Rhyton with Caracal Cat and Fowl(detail) Iran or Central Asia, late 2nd to 1st century A.D.	Winged, Human-headed Genius and Royal Attendant (detail) Northern Iraq, North-west palace in Nimrud, 9th century B.C.	Compound Zoomorphic Vessel(detail) Western or northwestern Iraq, 8th to 6th century B.C.