拍品專文
This rare type of 'Pensive Bodhisattva' originates in the Gandharan region during the Kushan period and is of extraordinary significance for further stylistic and iconographic developments throughout Asia. In the Gandharan context, historical scenes of the 'Pensive Bodhisattva' generally represent Prince Siddhartha at his First Meditation on life's sorrows. Indian texts relate this episode from Buddha's life, stating that the young Prince Siddhartha was present at the annual ploughing ceremony officiated by his father. Reflecting on how difficult the work was for the bull pulling the plough and for the farmer driving the bull, and filled with pity for the hardship and misery of all living creatures, Siddhartha began to meditate.