Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v2.c8.s14.3

v2.c8.s14.3

INSIDE the shrine, the figures of two Bodhisattvas are painted on the front wall, one on either side of the door. The figures are much damaged, and it is difficult to appreciate the skill of the artist properly, though the feet resting on full-blown lotus-flowers remain intact, and the drawing of the toes shows great care and a keen sense of beauty in execution. The soles are painted red, and on the big toes rings are seen, which were until quite recently worn as an ornament by men in India. The figure on the right probably represented the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara or Padmapāṇi, while on the left may be identified the Bodhisattva Maitreya (the Coming Buddha), for he holds a flask in his hand.