Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.46

v1.c7.46

Its models had a light feeling. The Buddhist images were elegant but not overly so. In the treatment of some parts, they paid more attention to detail. The carving of ornaments and of the background was complicated. The technique was fine and smooth and the lines were graceful. They were very rich and moving. Concerning basic similarity, they paid even greater attention to the spiritual effect. From form to content, they give expression to a high degree of integration of aesthetics. The fourth period is that of the art of esotericism and starts from the 8th century on. The art of Buddhist images during that period received even more the artistic influence of Brahmanical Hinduism. Artistic models were exaggerated and the depiction of the parts became complicated. There was, however, a lack of innovation and the emphasis was on stylisation.