Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c77.116

v2.c77.116

Abh. C. (also Mānasollāsa) (Cit. Laks. p. 29) prescribes for the preparation of the paint-brush what is termed as *Lekhani*, to bring the hair of a calf and they should then be bound up with the aid of lākṣā (lac) on the tip of the tūlikā. This lekhni is of three kinds—*Sthūlā*, *Madhyā* and *Sūkṣmā*. The first is to be used in the application of paint-plaster or ointment (लेपनम्), the second in the drawing out the outline (अङ्कनम्) and the third in the finishing up the minutest of lines (सूक्ष्मां लेखां) Śilparatna, however, follows Ab. C. in this respect with some additional innovations of the three-fold lekhni to be varied to nine for each of the three primary colours like this : In shape the lekhani is of three kinds—Sthūlā etc. (cf. above vide Abh. C.) but in use it is to be sub-divided again into nine for each colour. It also gives variations in the hairs with which the three varieties of the lekhani is bound up on their tips. The S. R. prescribes the hair of calf-ears only for the Sthūlā (cf. Abh. C.) for the madhyā and the sūkṣmā, the hair of the stomach of the goat and those of the tail of the hog are preferred respectively.