Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c46.30

c46.30

Throughout the whole course of the building art in Java it is noticeable that the same method of technique in the process of carving the reliefs seems to have been maintained. The stone to be decorated was first "boasted" into a plain projected surface, and on this the figure subject was inscribed, afterwards being blocked out in the form of a "silhouette." Where unfinished it has been found there is every indication that the composition was first traced out on the prepared surface by means of a drawing, then the background was chiselled away by an apprentice, who merely followed the outlines of the tracing Then came the hand of the master craftsman to put the modelling into the "silhouette," and carve it into the subtle planes of the relief and so form the finished picture