Wall Paintings from Ancient Shrines in Central Asia : vol.1 / Page 83 (Color Image)

0083	Wall Paintings from Ancient Shrines in Central Asia : vol.1

usually black, but in a few it seems to be white. A nimbus lies behind each head,

generally dark red-brown edged with white.

In both upper zones the lotus seats (padmăsana) have shaded pink petals, mostly

indented at their edges, outlined with white and red. Those of the outer zone are

pale pink with pointed petals outlined with red. One of the figures in the lowest

zone, second from the left, at the lower left corner of the plate, is four-armed and

is seated on a goose-like bird, most probably the Si-murgh. He may be Kárttikeya,

a son of Siva.

In design and execution this dome is probably unique among ancient Central

Asian mural paintings; and the resemblance it bears, in several particulars, to

medieval ecclesiastical art of the West and especially to certain Byzantine mosaics

at Ravenna, gives it additional and significant interest. It is a matter for congratula-

tion that it has been rescued from complete destruction by the skill and persever-

ance of those who, under Sir Aurel Stein's direction, performed the delicate task

of detaching it from its vault in small sections and transporting it safely to New

Delhi.

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