Bodhisattva Maitreya. Art of Gandhara, 4th and 5th. Stucco.

Bodhisattva Maitreya. Afghanistan (?) or Taxila website in Pakistan (?). Art of Gandhara, 4th and 5th. Stucco. For Asian religions, the conception of time is cyclical. The historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, was thus preceded by Buddhas of the past and should be followed by Maitreya, the Buddha to come. As a Bodhisattva (future Eveille) richly vetted and adorned, it is the latter that can undoubtedly be recognized here by its characteristic attribute: the small water vase held in the left hand. This work probably belonged to a triad composed of Buddha, in the centre, surrounded by two Bodhisattva: Maitreya, on his right, and Avavlokiteshvara (the bodhisttva of compassion) on his left.