Final answer:
The Kanishka Reliquary represents a shift in Buddhist art, where Buddha is shown with divine attributes and surrounded by symbols that enrich the religious iconography, encompassing elements that indicate a blend of cultural influences during the Kushan period.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Kanishka Reliquary, crafted during the Kushan period by the artist Agesilas, marked a significant shift in the depiction of Buddha from a wise teacher to a divine figure. This transition is evident in the portrayal of Buddha in the padmasana posture with an abaya mudra and surrounded by a nimbus halo, which are symbolic of divine authority and spiritual radiance respectively. The reliquary's iconography, influenced by Roman art, further enhances the religious narrative with symbolic elements such as the water lily on which Buddha is seated, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. Additionally, figures of Brahma and Indra, gods from the traditional Indian pantheon worshipping Buddha, signify the elevation of Buddha's status to that of a divine figure. The presence of geese symbolizes the community of Buddhist monks, while the garlands represent the attainment of supreme wisdom. Moreover, the inclusion of cupids as bearers of wisdom indicates a syncretic fusion with Greco-Roman artistic traditions, thereby weaving a rich iconographic tapestry that serves not just as an object of devotion, but also as a didactic tool conveying the philosophies and teachings of Buddhism during the Kushan dynasty.