Section of Monolithic Railing with Bather and Lotus Medallions, c. 150-250. Creator: Unknown

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images

Section of Monolithic Railing with Bather and Lotus Medallions, c. 150-250. Creator: Unknown

Section of Monolithic Railing with Bather and Lotus Medallions, c. 150-250. Railings demarcated a sacred space, such as a tree shrine or a stupa. Images associated with purifying waters were carved on the railings, as if to symbolically cleanse those who passed through the gate. Lotus and blue lily--flowers that grow in water--are the most common motif. Under a fruit-bearing tree is a young woman squeezing water from her hair. In a visual depiction of an ancient Indian poetic trope, a goose mistakes the drops of water for pearls and comes to eat them. In the windows above, carved on the coping stone, are two voyeurs and a bowl made of leaves filled with flower garlands, which would be used to adorn the sacred site

Heritage Images features heritage image collections

Media ID 19641492

© Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Kushan Period Mathura Red Sandstone

FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Asia > India > Related Images

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > Cleveland

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a mesmerizing section of Monolithic Railing with Bather and Lotus Medallions, dating back to the Kushan period in ancient India (c. 150-250). The railings served as sacred boundaries, enclosing spaces like tree shrines or stupas. To symbolically purify those who passed through the gate, intricate carvings depicting images associated with cleansing waters adorned the railings. The most prevalent motif found on these railings is that of lotus and blue lily flowers - both known for their growth in water. In this particular section, we witness a young woman standing beneath a fruit-bearing tree, gracefully squeezing water from her hair. This visual representation beautifully captures an ancient Indian poetic trope where drops of water are mistaken by a goose for pearls, enticing it to come closer and feast upon them. Above this enchanting scene lies two voyeuristic figures carved into windows on the coping stone. Adjacent to them rests a bowl made entirely out of leaves filled with delicate flower garlands - intended to adorn the sacred site. Crafted from red sandstone during an era when artistry flourished in Mathura, this sculpture now finds its home at The Cleveland Museum of Art. Although its creator remains unknown, Heritage Art has skillfully captured and preserved this remarkable piece through their photography expertise.

MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.