The Beginnings of Buddhist Art and Other Essays in Indian and Central-Asian Archaeology c9.32

c9.32

Between the two groups reproduced in our plates the only contrast at all striking consists in the respectively inverse positions of the two spouses. But, inverted as it is, it retains the same intention of reserving for the goddess the place of honour in relation to the man — that being according to the old Indian custom on the left, and not on the right as with us (¹). The stool placed beneath the left foot of the persons in pl. XVII, 1 is lacking in pl. XVIII, 1 and 2; but it exists on other replicas, and, besides, the group of pl. XVII, 2 dispenses with it likewise. The scaly decoration of the pedestal of pl. XVIII, 1, made of coins half covering each other, is only a paraphase of the signification of the purse. The double seats on pl. XVIII allow a sight of their four feet, turned on the lathe in the Indian manner: but, on the other hand, the nimbus which emphasizes the divine character of the pair is perfectly familiar to our western eyes. Then, beside these small local differences, what resemblances are to be observed! If we leave aside the leggings and the large earrings of the Indian genius, his costume even, consisting of a tunic and a cloak, is not so very different from that usually worn by his Gallo-Roman equi-