Origin
Introduction
Text Search
News
Contact Us
Reservation
Current page:Home>Full text search

 

Full-text search

  Vol:Caves
page no:37
Ajanta Cave 16: Mithuna Couple and Dwarf
Ajanta Cave 16: Mithuna Couple and Dwarf
 

Ajanta Cave 16: Mithuna Couple and Dwarf

INDIA, Maharashtra, Aurangabad; circa mid-to-late 5th century; Stone
These bracket figures are carved on the ceiling beams where they join with the column capitals. On the left is a dwarf who squats on his haunches with both hands on his knees. He is rotund and sturdy-looking and wears strings of ornaments across the chest. On the right is a mithuna couple. The male figure has a large topknot, while the female figure wears a head scarf and is adorned with gems and pearls. They are reclined together in a casual embrace, and appear relaxed and at ease. The image exhibits a graceful aesthetic and the style is typical of the 5th century.