The ancient kingdom of Gandhara stretched across parts of present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan along the Silk Road trade route where Buddhist civilization thrived. Although earlier Buddhist art obliquely depicted the Buddha through non-figurative symbols or footprints marking his presence, Gandharan artists preferred to portray the Buddha as a human. Also influenced by Greek and Roman sculptural styles, Gandharan artists carved and painted the Buddha with serene features highlighted with realistic details. The Buddha's hair is short, curled, and knotted at the top. These and other stylistic conventions spread throughout Asia and are found in depictions of the Buddha to this day.

"The Lost World of Buddhist Gandhara: An Ancient Buddhist Kingdom of the Middle East." Barbara O'Brien.