GREEK NEREIDS IN GANDHARA ART

In Greek Religion, the Nereids (Greek: Νηρηΐδες) are sea Nymphs;  the 50 daughters of Nereus and Doris, sisters to Nerites. They often accompany Poseidon, the God of the sea, and can be friendly and helpful to sailors. Nereids are particularly associated with the Aegean Sea, where they dwell with their father Nereus.They symbolize everything that is beautiful and kind about the sea. 

These beautiful sea Deities are often seen in  Gandharan Art and especially in stone palettes. Nereids were a popular artistic theme and we encounter them in palettes and trays that come from the Gandhara area- a lot of stone palettes with Nereids were produced in Taxila. The artifacts found are dated from the 2nd century BCE up until the 1st century CE. Nereids are often seen riding sea monsters, along with Eros or with male companions.

Source: Wikipedia