The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c10.261.1

v1.c10.261.1

Of benches and chairs with backs and arm-rests, no specimens have been seen among Bhuvaneśvara sculptures, but at Amarāvatī long benches, with high backs of different designs, not unoften of the Buddhist rail pattern, are common. Some of them have arm-rests. Woodcut No. 35, represents a very common form; it has well-carved and turned legs, battened seat, and a sloping back of carved work. Woodcut No. 36, has arm-rests with rounded tops, the back being made of a single wavy bar without any intermediate support. These were used sometimes with, and sometimes without, cushions and pillows. The last had a footstool of a rich pattern in front, which is shown below under a separate head (No. 42.) Chairs with or without arm-rests, are likewise frequently met with, and of designs which for their time were certainly remarkable, though by no means displaying the taste, elegance, and richness which characterised ancient Egyptian and Assyrian furniture. For easy reference, a few of these like the benches, have been copied on the margin from Mr. Fergusson's *Tree and Serpent Worship*, but so delineated as to show their character and perspective more fully than can be perceived in the positions they occupy in Mr. Fergusson's plates. Woodcut No. 37 shows a form which occurs repeatedly as a repository for some sacred object, or a throne for a royal or distinguished personage.