Standing Bodhisattva Maitreya (Buddha of the Future). Culture: Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara). Dimensions: H. 64 1/4 in. (163.2 cm); W. 21 in. (53.3 cm); D. 8 in. (20.3 cm). Date: ca. 3rd century.
This bodhisattva can be identified as Maitreya by the lip of the sacred water flask in his left hand and by his loop topknot, a hairstyle common to Maitreya images. On the base, donor figures venerate a Buddhist reliquary that rests on a low throne under a canopy.