Bodhisattva, probably Maitreya Gray Schist Ancient Region of Gandhara, Kushan Period

The bodhisattva, standing on a high lotus pedestal, his monastic robes draped in thick folds, the uttariya looped around the left shoulder leaving a small bare section of upper arm, adorned with jewelry and with his hair piled high to form an usnisha and with curls framing the face. The right hand would have held the water pot, a tiny remnant of which can be seen on the drapery.

Acquired 1970

Surface of the stone is worn and pitted with chips throughout, the tip of the nose is restored. The right arm is broken just below the elbow, the left at wrist. A section of the left side of the drapery on the skirt is broken away. The middle toes of the left foot are broken as is the tip of the big toe on the right foot. The lotus base has extensive exfoliation as seen in the photograph. At the back the remains of a halo and some part of back plates are visible.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Compare the drapery and the style of the pedestal to a figure in the British Museum published in W. Zwalf; A Catalogue of the Gandhara Sculpture in the British Museum, London, 1996, p. 42, fig. 60.