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Kneeling Figure

4th-5th century

Afghanistan

Stucco with traces of pigment

H. 12 7/8 x W. 5 3/4 x D. 5 in. (32.6 x 14.6 x 12.7 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.004

This kneeling devotee gazes upwards, as if in adoration, and holds offerings: a sash in her right hand and a fruit in her left. Her raised head position and the offerings indicate that she was most likely originally placed near a Buddha. She wears a tunic over a skirt, a costume originally brought to India by the Scythians that seems to have been popular with the ruling warrior class (kshatriyas). Traces of red pigment indicate that her clothing had a checked design. This image comes from a part of Gandhara that is now present-day Afghanistan, possibly from the site of Hadda.