A History of Fine Art in India and Ceylon, from the Earliest Times to the Present Day c14.s4.20

c14.s4.20

The style of the specimens reproduced in colour by Mr. Smither is distinctly antique and closely allied to that of the later Ajaṇṭā paintings, being characterized, as they are, by bold free-hand execution of curves, with a truthful and at the same time decorative treatment of plant motives. Two examples are offered, Figs. 211, 212, which may be dated at any time from the sixth to the eighth century. The date of the building of the *dāgaba*, of course, gives no clue to the date of mural decorations, which, in all probability, were retouched from time to time on the old lines. The colours are white and tints of brownish yellow.