Siva and his consort seated at ease, Chola style, 10th-11th Centuries. London, British Museum
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Photographer: Arthur Llewellyn Basham
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In general, the Chola style continued the Pallava and Eastern Chalukan [sic] tradition, which was a classic balance between naturalism and abstraction. The figures are lithe, slender and elegant with a hint of warmth not far from that of the reawakening folk art of this same time. Actually, this style represents the last phase of Pallava art and is related to the sculptural programs on the chalukyan temples at Pattadakal which had been executed by artists brought from the Pallava capital at Kanchi. At the same time, Chola art is the last breath of the refined Guptan tradition and so hereafter experiences a marked degeneration. Despite this tendency toward diminishing refinement, however, Chola art had great influence on surrounding regions and on areas outside India in Ceylon and Java. It seemed natural that Chola art would use as one of its models the bronzes of southern Indian temples, since the spread of Pallavan influences proceeded from the southern styles northward. A metallic character is certainly present in the slide illustration showing Siva and Parvati seated and conversing with each other. The smooth, shiny surface of the sculpture contributes to its metallic appearance and also works to make the detailing look finer and more delicate.
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Basham Collection
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circa 1970s
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This item is provided for research purposes. Contact the Australian National University Archives at butlin.archives@anu.edu.au for permission to use.
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