Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c74.s2.64

v2.c74.s2.64

**Iconometry:--**Thus equipped spiritually (the mental equipment gained by the perfect study of the Śāstras and physical equipment consisting of the practical experience gained beforehand), the sculptor starts his work of image-making. Now in fashioning the image the artist has to follow the rules of measurements as given in the śāstra (the subject-matter of the Iconometry of this chapter), the strict adherence to which is a matter of supreme importance. But even the code of measurements is there, the materials not wanting, what are the models set before him. After all an artist cannot fashion out an image just from his own imagination, though the element of imagination is very necessary, the model is indispensible for any such creation of art. This model can be got from no where than from the man himself, the maker. It is here that the Maker and the maker meet. It is here that irony is most remarkably exhibited and the metaphysical truth of the identity of the supreme soul with the individual souls is realised. Varāhamihira’s dictum regarding the display of the drapery and the decorations of the images in consonance with those prevalent in a country among men and women themselves, perhaps needs some addition that the forms of the images too must conform to the forms prevalent among the mankind.