The Beginnings of Buddhist Art and Other Essays in Indian and Central-Asian Archaeology c9.188

c9.188

In the middle, on a lotus which springs from the soil, Buddha is seated in the Indian manner and the attitude of teaching. It will be noticed that in Gandhāra — contrary to what takes place, for example, on plate XXI, 1 — it is the *left* hand which holds, between the thumb and index finger, the little finger of the *right* hand (cf. pll. XXIV, 2-XXVIII, 1). As also on the following plates, his right shoulder is uncovered. Garlands of flowers are twined above his head, which was moreover, together with the stele itself, to be surmounted by a detached parasol.