PESHAWAR: Images of a standing Bodhisattva from the Peshawar Museum would be featured in the high school art books in Japan.

A statement issued here on Wednesday said a recent communique from the publisher of the high school textbooks in Japan had contacted the Pakistan embassy in Tokyo seeking permission for publication of images of Bodhisattva’ standing statues for the purpose of publication in the country’s curriculum of art books.

The statement said the foreign aid section of the planning and development department had provided the requisite images, which were highly appreciated by the authorities in Tokyo.

“It is, and will remain, a matter of pride for all of us that the history of our area will be represented in such a positive light in Japan,” said the deputy chief of mission in Tokyo while thanking the KP government. “This will add to Pakistan’s soft image as well,” he added.

The statement said the Colossal Buddha from Peshawar Museum was sent to Rietberg museum in Zurich, Switzerland from Dec 12, 2018 to March 31, 2019, for display in the “Next Stop Nirvana” exhibition, where some 35,000 visitors had the opportunity to admire the Buddha.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2020