Ancient Indian Colonies in the Far East (Vol. I: Champa; Vol. II: Suvarnadvipa) v2.c21.s2.t2.26

v2.c21.s2.t2.26

The relief is a fine piece of sculpture. The division of the charming and graceful maidens into two groups on two sides of the pond, the delicate carving of the lotus leaves, buds and the small plants on the edge of the pond, the varying and graceful poses of the maidens, and the prince,—all testify to a high degree of artistic skill. The relief recalls the very familiar and poetic image of village maidens gathered round a pond in the dusk, and this lovely scene serves as a beautiful contrast to the love-sick forlorn prince in the background. The composition must be regarded as a beautiful poetic conception nicely executed, and, taken as a whole, may be regarded as one of the finest reliefs in Barabuḍur.