1919,0101,0.279.a

Description

Scope and content : Mi. xiii. 1–4. Series of adjoining fresco panels from east wall of chamber behind temple cella (for position see plan, Pl. 53). Height of panels 2′ 4″; the ground rich maroon, bordered by a horizontal yellow band above and below, and divided vertically into separate panels by similar bands. Beyond band at top are traces of adjoining paintings of different series. The material is coarse clay, mixed with straw; painting is in tempera on white slip. The colour range is limited, including besides maroon only light emerald green, a few shades of brick-red, pink, and flesh-colour, a dark impure yellow, grey, black, and white. The tints are harsh and muddy or thin; all outlines are in black. The interpretation of the scenes must proceed from left to right, following the order in which they were viewed by those performing the ‘Pradaksinā’. The panels are described here accordingly, and not in the order of their numbering: (1) Side panel from recess, showing two Bodhisattvas kneeling one above the other, with hands in pose of adoration; lower almost completely destroyed. Above are floating clouds of flame. [Ser]