Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c46.13

c46.13

But while the Kalasan temple acts as a pointer in the movement, other examples of this group, built rather later, show the trend of the style at a more advanced stage. Of these the temple of Mandut is the most expressive, as it represents this particular phase in the development of the building art in its most refined mood. As with all the buildings of this group it is raised on an expansive and ornate base, approached by a graceful and prominent stairway. The central structure resolves itself into a scheme of rectangular elements, the combination of which, mounting up by diminishing stories each defined by a bold cornice, forms an elegant and well proportioned whole Contrasting with the simple vigour of the upper and lower portions is the broad middle area of the exterior surface which is left free for an arrangement of fiat wall spaces, but all richly carved in patterns of relatively low relief. The interior is a single cell, plain in its treatment but enshrining three statues of great sculptural merit, illustrating the high standard the plastic art had attained in Java at this early period. Decorating the throne of the central figure are certain symbolic motifs, not only exquisitely carved, but displaying features closely associated with the contemporary art of Southern India. It should be noted here, that throughout its course, although pilasters and similar attachments figure in the building art of Java, the style itself is distinctly astylar, as no use of pillars is made in its structure.