Standing Bodhisattva at The Guimet Museum, Paris

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Standing in a fearless gesture, reminiscent of many Bodhisattva or Buddha representations, one hand raised with palm facing outward, this Bodhisattva showcases all the characteristics of Gandhara art, commonly known as "Greco-Buddhist art." Gandharan sculptors drew inspiration from the Hellenistic canon for these early Buddhist depictions, evident in the loosely draped, trailing folds of his traditional dhoti. His naked torso is adorned with jewels, and his attire blends Indian influences with Scythian, Greco-Roman, and Iranian elements. The base of this sculpture is decorated with a Buddhist scene depicting the adoration of the Bodhisattva. This piece may represent the future Buddha before renouncing the world or the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. The sculpture is crafted in bluish-grey high relief, originating from the Mekhasanda monastery situated on Mount Mahaban. This work reflects the diverse influences characteristic of Indian art during the Kushan dynasty's reign, which spanned from Northern India to Afghanistan. Buddhism flourished during this period, with the 2nd and 3rd centuries marking its peak; it was then that the first human representation of the Buddha emerged, as previously only symbols appeared. This object is part of "Scan The World," a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, which aims to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe for public access. Scan the World is an open-source community effort; if you have interesting items and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can help. Scanned using photogrammetry (processed with Agisoft PhotoScan).