The Beginnings of Buddhist Art and Other Essays in Indian and Central-Asian Archaeology c9.19

c9.19

I. — *Archaeological Survey photograph, supplied by Sir Aurel Stein* (for other reproductions cf. *A. S. I., Annual Report*, 1908-9, pll. XII XIII). At the top a Buddha is seated on the slightly expanded stem of a lotus, whose petals decorate the upper face of the lid, between two standing lay persons, probably Brahmâ and Indra. On the lip of the lid is a frieze of geese (*hamsa*). On the main body of the casket itself a Buddha seated in meditation and two half-length deities repose in the waves of a garland supported by frolicking Cupids. On the left we see the profile of the standing figure of Kanishka. It will be observed that not only is the design superior to the execution, but also the mantles of the Buddhas cover them right to the neck and hide their crossed feet, and that their hands as yet know only two *mudrâs*, that of meditation and that of reassurance. It is therefore permissible already to speak of stylization and even of decadence, but not yet of the ultimate decline of the school (cf. p. 130).