Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts

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Vols：Sculpture

Page：874

Rampurva: Ox Capital of an Asoka Pillar

INDIA, Bihar, Rampurva; circa 3rd century BCE; Sandstone; H: 205 cm; Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, India
This well preserved capital was carved from Chunar sandstone, a material favored during the rule of King Asoka (reigned circa 269–232 BCE) for such structures because it was capable of a high polish. The animal featured on the column is an Indian humped bull. The creature is joined to the column at the abdomen but the legs are clearly definable. The circular base on which the bull stands is decorated with a variety of flowers and plants, which is then supported by inverted lotus petals.

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