The Beginnings of Buddhist Art and Other Essays in Indian and Central-Asian Archaeology c7.s1.t1.2

c7.s1.t1.2

a) Their outer face is simply decorated with those pink lotus flowers (*padma* or *nelumbum speciosum*), which, as we know, play a considerable part in Indian ornamentation and symbolism. To the right a series of full-blown roses is enclosed within two waved garlands of these same flowers, graced with buds and leaves. To the left the principal subject consists of a similar garland, whose decoration changes likewise between each undulation of the chief branch : in addition Indian swans (*hamsa*) and a tortoise are intermingled with the flowers.