Indian Sculpture and Painting, Illustrated by Typical Masterpieces, with an Explanation of their Motives and Ideals c10.31

c10.31

¹ The same work after the most minute instructions as to the correct proportions of images, from the total height down to the circumference of the thumb and great toe, adds the following explanations: "In order that the form of an image may be brought out fully and clearly upon the mind, the image-maker must meditate, and his success will be in proportion to his meditation. No other way, not even seeing the object itself, will answer this purpose. "To every part of the image should be given that grace and ease which is most suitable for it... an image with a wrathful look should not have complacent eyes. Those images are handsome, the measurements of which are in accordance with the rules in the Sastras. Some, however, are of opinion that what pleases the heart is beautiful. But the measurements that do not agree with those given in the Sastras cannot be pleasing to the cultured."