English
Torso of a Bodhisattva
Cult images of bodhisattvas became an important dimension of Mahayana (the Great Wheel sect of North Indian Buddhism) Buddhist worship in the fourth to the fifth century. The monasteries of the Gandharan region commissioned large-scale bodhisattvas in recognition of the growing popularity of these interventionist deities, which embody Buddhist compassion. The cult of Avalokiteshvara represents the highest expression of this sentiment. Probably from the Sahri-Bahlol monastery, this large stone torso, from a figure originally about ten feet tall, is a spectacular survivor from that era. Sensitively modeled and dressed in a draped monk’s robe, it reflects a lingering memory of contact with the Hellenistic West.
Artwork Details
- Title: Torso of a Bodhisattva
- Artist: Probably Sahri-Bahlol Workshop
- Date: ca. 5th century
- Culture: Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara, mondern Peshawar region)
- Medium: Schist
- Dimensions: H. 64 1/2 in. (163.8 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, 1995
- Object Number: 1995.419
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Pakistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, possibly Takht-i-bahi monastery, ancient region of Gandhara
3rd century
Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara)
ca. 3rd century
Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara)
ca. 4th–5th century
Pakistan (NW Frontier Province, probably Swat Valley)
9th century
Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara)
1st to mid-2nd century
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.