The Bodhisattva is modelled in classical Gandharan style and displays several of the characteristic auspicious marks, laksanas, of the Buddha: these include the prominent hair-knot, ushnisha, and the forehead mark, urna. With small mouth, slender nose, crisp, planar intersection of forehead and eyes, and wavy locks of hair, this idealized image of a Buddha bears all the classical features of Greek-inspired Gandharan sculptures. The oval shape of the head, the curvature of the eyebrows, reminiscent of an Indian bow, the lotus-leaf-like shape of the eyes, as well as the elongated ears – these are from Indian origin.
To find out more about Gandharan art please see our relevant blog post: The Influence of Greek Art on Gandharan Statues.