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Sanchi: Stupa No. 2, Relief on railing pillar, second panel from top

Date

Authors

Photographer: Arthur Llewellyn Basham

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Volume Title

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Abstract

Description

Beginning another tradition which employs folk art elements in Buddhist religious contexts is illustrated by the present example of a carving of a young couple: actually a pair of Yaksha and Yakshi figures: standing in an idyllic setting, As the stupa represented all the levels of human or divine existence, it was, in a sense, paradise itself, It seems natural, then, that the carvings would try to suggest this concept, This is accomplished in the example in our slide, for the couple, representing man living harmoniously in the realm of the gods, is surrounded by fruitful vines, open jars of food and drink and may enjoy each other's companionship for eternity, Later in Indian art, the amorous couples are also shown dancing, standing arm in arm or embracing, Like the Yakshi on the railing pillar in slide 10, the carving style is archaic and predominantly flat,

Citation

Source

Type

Archives Series

Basham Collection

Date created

circa 1970s

Access Statement

License Rights

This image is provided for research purposes only and must not be reproduced without the prior permission of the Archives Program, Australian National University.

DOI

Restricted until

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