Ca. 400-500 AD.A grey chlorite-schist statue of the Bodhisattva Maitreya seated in the so-called "European pose” with his feet crossed at the ankles. The face is well proportioned and has half closed eyes, straight nose in the Classical style, moustache and small mouth above a strong chin. At the top of the head he wears a diadem. The body is strong, yet sensitively carved and is adorned with necklaces, one running diagonally across the chest with a series of amulet cases, known as Kavacha. The robes hang over the left shoulder and fall about the waist and are tucked into the long loin cloth. The left hand holds a water vase, one of the distinguishing symbols of Maitreya. The figure sits on a double lotus throne. The style therefore well illustrates the fusion of eastern and western cultures. The crossed ankles of this type, known as the "European pose,” was similar to the so-called "Royal ease pose” figures, in that Maitreya is depicted as contemplating the suffering of the world prior to his birth from the Tushita heaven to help beings achieve enlightenment. For more information about Gandharan art, see Jongeward, D. (2019). Buddhist Art Of Gandhara in the Ashmolean Museum. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Size: L:410mm / W:195mm ; 8.25kgProvenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s in Belgium; previously in 1970s European collection.