The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c18.58

v2.c18.58

Adverting to the sculptures of this temple, Mr. Stirling says, 'The skill and labour of the best artists seem to have been reserved for the finely polished slabs of chlorite, which line and decorate the outer faces of the doorways. The whole of the sculpture on these figures, comprising men and animals, foliage and arabesque patterns, is executed with a degree of taste, propriety and freedom, which would stand a comparison with some of our best specimens of Gothic architectural ornament. The workmanship remains, too, as perfect as if it had just come from under the chisel of the sculptor, owing to the extreme hardness and durability of the stone'²⁰.