The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c9.46

v1.c9.46

**Brackets :** Brackets are of frequent occurrence in all decorated temples; but never in the inside, as in mediaevl European churches, for the support of statues, or the ends of the arched frameworks of roofs. They are used, as all ornaments generally are in Orissa, on the outside, either as springs for drip-stones, or as mere ornaments. They are variously shaped, sometimes nearly plain, or ornamented only with mouldings; but usually carved over into foliage or animals intertwined with mouldings. Illustration No. 40 from the Rājarāṇī temple is an example of a very rich bracket of the lotus-pattern. It is very common and particularly characteristic.