The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c10.282

v1.c10.282

**Domestic vessels, utensils, &c:** Of household vessels and utensils, the sculptures of Bhuvaneśvara represent but little. They are subjects which the domestic economy and the the religious obligations of the Hindus, studiously drove to the background, and it is not to be expected that they would occupy any prominent position in sculptural decoration. Even in that great sanctuary of ancient art, the sacred land of Greece, where the taste of the people and the ingenuity of artists endowed everything with the halo of beauty, the number and variety of domestic vessels to be seen in sculpture is extremely limited. There was, however, one exception, and it referred to the class which included vessels for fluids. In a country where drinking wine was prevalent, and fashionable vases, and tazzas, and goblets could not but attain some eminence, the exquisite perfection to which they attained, has hitherto claimed the highest meed of praise. In India even this class of vessels has not attained the distinction which they deserved. With the exception of the *kalasa* or jar, there is no vessel for fluid which is worthy of notice for the beauty of its form, or the elaboration and art in its finish. Even the *kalasa* as domestic vessel has no claim to any aesthetic excellence. In sculpture, however, it has been treated with great taste and elegance. As the crowning member of temples, it is geneally well conceived and elaborately finished, and the various forms it has assumed under different treatment are all remarkable for taste and beauty. On the temple of Yameśvara, to the west of the Great Tower of Bhuvaneśvara, there are at least fifty different varieties of *Kalasas*, many of @H [ 110 ] which can be placed besides Grecian and Roman vases without reflecting any discredit on the taste of their artificers. Illustration No. 151, from this temple represents a typical figure; and its elegant outline and chaste ornamentation will doubtless commend it to the approbation of connoisseurs. Illustration No. 152 is from the top of the Great Tower and is also a typical specimen on the model of which most of crowning *Kalasas* of Bhuvaneśvara temples have been fashioned. Jars for the storage of water were formed on the same model, but they had no broad base to rest upon, and, in the majority of instances, their height did not exceed their breadth, and accordingly they looked dumpy. (Illustrations Nos. 27 and 28)