Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v2.c8.s2.15

v2.c8.s2.15

To the right of these semi-barbarous people (*Kirātas*), whom, as shown by the sculptures of Sāñchī and Amarāvatī and the early paintings of Ajanta,² Buddhism embraced in its fold, is a pair of flying figures. The female is gracefully held in the arms of her companion, who has a broader frame, and both are floating in the air, judging by the movement of their pearl jewellery. The female is wearing a long skirt of striped silk, but the upper part of her body is almost nude, the *cholī* (bodice) being of transparent material. The artist has, however, adorned the bust with an abundance of pearl jewellery, splashes of which on the golden-brown skin look charming. The coal-black hair is similarly decorated with jewellery and white flowers.