ANCIENT REGION OF GANDHARA, 3RD-4TH CENTURY CE

The triratna refers to the three jewels of Buddhism- Buddha, dharma and sangha (monkhood). Artistically, the triratna symbol is represented by a undulating trident surmounted by lotus flowers and dharma wheels. Before it became practice to sculpt figural images of Buddha, symbols such as the triratna, the buddhapada, the stupa, and the throne were revered as aniconic representations of Buddha himself. In the present example, a figure kneels upon Buddha’s throne, hoisting the triratna to be venerated in his place.