The Beginnings of Buddhist Art and Other Essays in Indian and Central-Asian Archaeology c9.117

c9.117

shelter some small figures under aerial ædiculæ. However, the number of divine spectators increases in a striking manner. Now they are placed one above the other on their lotus supports, profiting by all the liberty which a picture of apparitions allows to be taken with the laws of perspective. At the same time the central Buddha becomes bigger, and his figure still more disproportionate to his surroundings. The garlands which used to hang above his head no longer suffice; there is now added a crown, borne by two little genii, with or without wings; once even other marvellous beings, with their busts terminating in foliage, hold still higher a parasol of honour. Lastly, among the images which have emanated from the Blessed One, some, as if better to emphasize their supernatural and magical character, are surrounded by an irradiation in the form of an aureole composed of other Buddhas (¹).