This headless limestone statue of King Kanishka from Surkh Kotal site is famous for its unique artistic influences from Central Asian art. It is one of the key objects in the National Museum, as it is the only sculpted depictions of Afghanistan’s greatest ruler. The statue was founded at the entrance of the courtyard of the Sorkh Kotal temple.

History of the Object

This is part of a limestone statue depicting a standing man. It is broken at waist and is fixed into a plinth. Possibly it could be a representation of Kanishka, an emperor of Kushan Dynasty, wearing a long trapezoidal kaftan adorned with beads and pipal leaves, over puffy pants and boots.