The Mithuna Terra Cotta Sculpture, a remarkable artifact from the Gupta period, dates back to the 5th century CE. This exquisite piece was found in India, epitomizing the classical phase of Indian sculpture that flourished under the Gupta dynasty during the 4th and 5th centuries. The sculpture vividly represents the artistic ideals and innovations of that era, which significantly influenced subsequent developments in Indian art. Currently, this magnificent terra cotta work is housed in the Honolulu Academy of Arts, where it continues to captivate viewers with its intricate craftsmanship and historical significance.
The image titled "Punjab: Antique stone sculpture of Buddha seized in Attari – India TV" features a remarkable stone sculpture of Buddha, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship typical of ancient Indian sculpture. This artifact, seized during a customs operation, underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage and combating the illegal trade of antiquities. The sculpture serves as a representation of the rich Buddhist heritage in Punjab, reflecting the artistic styles and religious significance of the time. This image not only captures the artistry of the sculpture but also raises awareness about the ongoing efforts to protect historical artifacts.
The artwork titled 'Untitled, 1919' by S.L. Haldankar, is a captivating watercolour painting currently housed in the Piramal Museum of Art. Created in 1919, this piece showcases a landscape of a bustling town or city, with mountains in the distance and trees in the foreground. Haldankar masterfully employs a limited colour palette to capture the immensity and complexity of the scene, lending a soft, misty mood to the painting. This artwork is considered representative of an important phase in Indian art history. Haldankar's works are celebrated for their significant contribution to modern art in India.
The "Lion Capital," a magnificent artifact from the Mauryan period, was discovered in Sarnath, India. Created around the 3rd century BCE, this iconic sculpture is renowned for its intricate design and profound symbolism. The capital features four Asiatic lions standing back to back, symbolizing power, courage, and pride. Originally crowning an Ashoka Pillar, it represents the spread of Buddhism under Emperor Ashoka's reign. Currently, this emblematic piece is housed in the Sarnath Museum in India. Its artistic elements reflect a blend of indigenous Indian craftsmanship with Hellenistic influences, highlighting the cultural syncretism of the era.
The image titled "Sigiriya Fresco 4" depicts one of the renowned Sigiriya Frescoes, which are located on the western surface of Sigiriya Rock in central Sri Lanka. These frescoes were created around 480 AD during the reign of King Kasyapa and are a part of the extensive palace complex he built. The frescoes, painted 1,300 years ago, are believed to represent celestial nymphs or ladies from Kasyapa's harem. Today, only a few of these exquisite paintings survive, sheltered in a small depression halfway up the rock. They are currently preserved at the Sigiriya site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Intan Wreck is a remarkable ancient artifact discovered in the waters off Indonesia. This extraordinary find dates back to the 10th century, offering a captivating glimpse into the maritime history of the region. Unearthed from the depths, the Intan Wreck contains a treasure trove of artifacts, including Chinese ceramics, Middle Eastern glassware, and Southeast Asian bronzes, reflecting the vibrant trade routes of the era. Currently, the artifacts from the Intan Wreck are preserved and studied by maritime archaeologists to unravel the mysteries of ancient trade networks. This significant discovery enriches our understanding of historical commerce and cultural exchange.
The "Sigiriya Fresco Prohibition" image showcases the breathtaking Sigiriya Frescoes, located on the western surface of Sigiriya Rock in central Sri Lanka. These ancient artworks were created around 480 AD during the reign of King Kasyapa. The frescoes are housed in a small, sheltered alcove about 100 meters above ground and depict celestial nymphs or possibly the ladies of King Kasyapa’s harem. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya is a testament to Sri Lanka's rich history. Currently, the image and information about these frescoes can be found on Reddit.
The image titled "Australia returns 900 years old Gujarat statue, old Gujarati statue" features a historic artifact from Gujarat, India, returned by the National Gallery of Australia. This 12th-13th century idol depicts Goddess Durga in the act of slaying the demon Mahishasura, a significant mythological scene known as Mahishasurmardini. The statue, intricately carved, showcases the detailed craftsmanship from the Solanki dynasty era, reflecting the period's artistic and cultural opulence. The return of this artifact, appreciated by Indian High Commissioner Manpreet Vohra, symbolizes a gesture of goodwill and cultural respect between Australia and India.
An image from Wikipedia depicting the ancient archaeological site Nagarjunakonda, highlighting its historical significance and the artifacts relocated due to the construction of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam.
The image titled 'Emperor Jahangir Weighs Prince Khurram' depicts a significant historical scene showcasing Mughal Emperor Jahangir weighing his son, Prince Khurram, who later became Shah Jahan, against gold and silver. This ceremonial event highlights the royal customs of the Mughal court. The artwork originates from the Indian subcontinent, likely created during the early 17th century, capturing the opulence and grandeur of the Mughal era. The painting is housed on Wikimedia Commons, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and intricate artistry of the Mughal period, reflecting their sophisticated societal rituals and artistic achievements.
The image titled "Detail From An Ashoka Pillar" showcases an exquisite carving from one of the renowned Ashoka Pillars. These pillars are significant artifacts from the Mauryan Empire, founded by Emperor Ashoka, who reigned from 268 to 232 BCE.
'Babur Receiving Envoys' is an exquisite piece of artwork that captures a historical moment with vibrant detail. This artwork, originating from the Mughal period, depicts the emperor Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire, as he graciously receives envoys from the Uzbek and Rajput kingdoms. The scene is rich with cultural symbolism and attire, reflecting the diplomatic exchanges of the era. This masterpiece was discovered in the Indian subcontinent, a region renowned for its rich artistic heritage. Currently, the artwork is housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, where it continues to captivate viewers with its historical significance and intricate artistry.
The Stele with Durga Figure dates back to the 11th-12th century and showcases the intricate artistry of the Sena dynasty, featuring the goddess Durga.
Dhanapal Autumn 2013 is an exquisite bronze sculpture titled 'Mother and Child' created by renowned Indian artist S. Dhanapal in 1957. Measuring 18.5 x 13 x 10 inches, it exemplifies Dhanapal's mastery in three-dimensional forms and is currently housed at Saffronart.
"The Bodhisattva’s Tusks," created in 1914 by Abanindranath Tagore, is a significant artwork that embodies India's rich artistic heritage. This piece can be found in the book "Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists" by Sister Nivedita and Ananda Kentish Coomaraswamy. The artwork was discovered in the context of early 20th-century India, reflecting the cultural and spiritual ethos of the period. Today, this piece is featured on the STIRworld website, celebrating Tagore's contributions to modern Indian art and education. The image courtesy is attributed to Wikimedia Commons.
The image titled 'Words and Symbols Series, 1968' by K.C.S. Paniker, a renowned Indian artist born in 1911 and who passed away in 1977, showcases an intricate composition from his famous series. This artwork was created in 1968, reflecting Paniker's exploration of symbolic and linguistic elements in his visual narratives. The piece was sold at an auction on September 13, 2022, through Artnet, a prominent online art marketplace. The vibrant and enigmatic motifs in this series exemplify Paniker's unique style and contribution to modern Indian art. The current location of the artwork post-auction is not specified on the source website.
"Glow of Hope Chapter 1," also known as "The Lady with the Lamp," is a luminous painting by S.L. Haldankar. Created in 1945 during the pre-independence era of India, the artwork features Haldankar's daughter, Gita Haldankar, delicately holding a brass lamp during Diwali. The painting captures the soft glow of the lamp, highlighting her gentility and elegance. This masterpiece, recognized for its stunning use of light and watercolors, won first prize at an art exhibition organized by the Mysore royals. Today, it resides in the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery at Jaganmohan Palace in Mysore, India.
