A History of Fine Art in India and Ceylon, from the Earliest Times to the Present Day c16.s5.14

c16.s5.14

A third work of art in silver, obtained somewhere in Northern India, which may be called the Indo-Persian bowl (Pl. LXXVII, Fig. B), is of special interest because of its apparent connexion with the paintings of Persians in Cave I at Ajantā (*ante*, p. 291, Fig 210). It is a deep hemispherical bowl, 5·35 inches (13·5 cm.) in diameter, solidly wrought in silver, with the design chased in low relief on a gilt background. The exterior is ornamented with five medallions, each containing a male bust, the interspaces being filled by floral scrolls. The persons represented are all dressed alike in tunics and mantles fastened by the ends round the neck. They wear conical caps tied behind with ribbons and ear-rings with double pendants. The hair of the head is long, gathered up under the cap, and appearing outside it. Two of the men have pointed [Figure: FIG. A. The Tānk silver patera; ? a Yaksha. (British Museum, from a photo.)]