The Lion Capital of Ashoka, an iconic sculpture, was discovered in Sarnath, India. Created during the Mauryan period around 250 BCE, this remarkable artifact serves as a testament to ancient Indian craftsmanship and imperial power. It originally crowned a pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka, symbolizing the spread of Buddhism. The capital features four intricately carved Asiatic lions standing back-to-back, representing strength and courage. This stunning piece is currently housed in the Sarnath Museum. The Lion Capital holds great significance, as it was adopted as the national emblem of India, symbolizing unity and the enduring legacy of Ashoka's reign.
The image titled "Ancient Indian Art - Satavahana Period" showcases a remarkable painting from the Ajanta Caves, located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. This artwork dates back to the Satavahana Period, approximately between the 1st century BCE and the 2nd century CE. The painting depicts intricate details with historical and cultural significance, reflective of early Indian artistry. Currently, this image is available on Pinterest, providing a visual exploration of ancient Indian art. The Ajanta Caves are renowned for their exquisite murals and serve as a testament to the rich heritage of ancient India.
The artwork titled "Radha and Krishna" by Sarada Ukil, created in 1929, is an exquisite piece showcasing the divine love between the Hindu deities Radha and Krishna. This artwork, which measures 17 x 10 inches, is rendered in pencil and watercolour heightened with white, displaying Ukil's mastery in capturing the ethereal beauty and spiritual essence of the subjects. Originating from the late 19th to early 20th-century Bengal School of Art, this piece reflects the rich cultural and artistic heritage of India. The artwork is signed and dated by Ukil in Bengali at the lower right corner, affirming its authenticity and historical value. Currently, this piece is part of the esteemed Jane and Kito de Boer Collection, known for its comprehensive survey of Indian art from the late 19th century to the present day. The collection, which highlights significant movements and artists, is housed and represented by Christie's, a notable auction house. This artwork exemplifies Ukil's contribution to Indian art and continues to be a treasured piece within this renowned collection.
The featured image is of a painting by Kshitindranath Majumdar, an influential artist born in 1891 in Jagtai village, Murshidabad, West Bengal. Known for his deep devotion and association with Vaishnavism, his artworks often reflect Indian epics and spiritual themes. The painting, created in the early 20th century, epitomizes the Bengal School of Art's rich cultural heritage. Currently, this piece is available for viewing and bidding in the Winter Online Auction, held on December 13-14, 2023, at Saffronart, a renowned auction house. For further details, visit Saffronart.com.
The image titled 'Shah Jahan on Globe' depicts a remarkable artifact showcasing the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, renowned for commissioning the Taj Mahal. This artifact was discovered in India, reflecting the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the Mughal era. Crafted in the early 17th century, during Shah Jahan's reign, it illustrates the emperor seated majestically upon a globe, symbolizing his expansive rule and global influence. The artifact is currently housed at the Smithsonian Institution, serving as a testament to the grandeur and artistic sophistication of the Mughal period.
The image titled 'Gandhara Bodhisattva' showcases an ancient stone carving of a Bodhisattva from the Gandhara civilization, housed in the Gallery of Gandhara at the National Museum of Pakistan in Karachi, Sindh. This exquisite piece of art reflects the intricate craftsmanship and rich cultural heritage of South Asia, specifically from the historical Gandhara region. The Bodhisattva, a key figure in Buddhist traditions, is depicted with serene features and detailed adornments, highlighting the sculptural finesse of ancient artisans. This statue, captured by contributor Suzuki Kaku, is a significant exhibit, offering insights into the spiritual and artistic legacy of ancient Pakistan.
This sculpture depicts Ganga King Narasimha worshipping Lord Jagannath, an important figure in the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The artwork is emblematic of the intricate carvings and religious devotion characteristic of the period. It showcases the skill of artisans in Orissa during the medieval era, reflecting both cultural and spiritual dimensions. Such sculptures were often integrated into temple architecture, enhancing the sacred atmosphere.
The image depicts Abanindranath Tagore, a pivotal figure in Indian art born in Jorasanko, Kolkata in 1871. Known as the father of the Bengal School of Art, Tagore was instrumental in reviving Indian artistic traditions with his unique blend of Indian and Asian influences. His notable works include 'Bharat Mata' and 'The Passing of Shah Jahan,' which have left a lasting impact on Indian modern art. Abanindranath's legacy is preserved through his contributions to art and literature, and he is celebrated at the University of Kolkata where he served as the Rani Bageswari Professor of Art.
"The Art, Sculpture and Poetry of Sigiriya" showcases the magnificent Sigiri Frescoes, vibrant depictions of golden-skinned, bare-breasted women believed to be King Kashyapa's concubines or celestial nymphs. These intricate artworks were crafted during the 5th Century AD, reflecting the opulence and grandeur of the king's reign. Found at the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, these frescoes are complemented by the 'Mirror Wall', once so polished that the king could see his reflection. This ancient wall now bears poetic inscriptions from visitors, offering a glimpse into the historical and cultural fabric of the era. Currently, these artworks can be explored at Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.
The image titled 'Bimbisara with his royal cortege' is a captivating depiction of an ancient artifact from the Satavahana period. This remarkable piece was discovered in the region associated with the historical Satavahana dynasty, which thrived between the 1st century BCE and the 3rd century CE in present-day India. The artwork beautifully portrays King Bimbisara, an influential ruler, accompanied by his royal entourage, showcasing the grandeur and cultural richness of the era. Currently, this exquisite artifact is housed in a collection accessible through Wikimedia Commons, offering a glimpse into the artistic and historical legacy of the Satavahana period.
The "Ivory Throne Leg" is an exquisite artifact depicting a gajasimha, which is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of an elephant. This artifact was discovered at an ancient site, though the specific location of the find is not detailed in the source. The intricate craftsmanship of the piece suggests it dates back to a significant historical period, reflecting the artistic and cultural prowess of its era. Currently, this artifact's image is available on Wikimedia Commons, a free media repository, under the file name "Ivory_Throne_Leg.jpg." The artifact symbolizes the rich heritage and artistry of the civilization that created it, showcasing detailed carvings and symbolic representation. This piece stands as a testament to the sophisticated craftsmanship and the mythical symbolism prevalent in ancient times.
The 'Vikramshila Sculpture Act Dancing' is an exquisite ancient artifact originating from the archaeological site of Vikramshila University, located in modern-day Bihar, India. This captivating sculpture, dating back to the Pala Empire period between the 8th and 12th centuries, showcases a dynamic dancing figure, highlighting the artistic prowess of that era. Currently housed in the Wikimedia Commons database, the image of this sculpture provides a glimpse into the rich cultural and educational heritage of one of medieval India's renowned centers of learning. Its intricate design and expressive form capture the essence of historical Indian art.
The image titled 'Intan Wreck Underwater 3' captures the remnants of a remarkable ancient artifact discovered at the Intan shipwreck site. This intriguing find location is situated near the Java Sea, where the wreck was unearthed, revealing a treasure trove of artifacts dating back to the 10th century. The Intan Wreck is renowned for its cargo of exquisite ceramics, metals, and other trade goods, offering a glimpse into the flourishing maritime trade of the era. The image, currently housed at the Maritime Archaeology Museum, showcases the enduring legacy of ancient maritime history and its pivotal role in cultural exchanges across regions.
The image titled **"What you see when you see: A Ramachandran: Tradition reimagined and reinterpreted"** showcases the artistic brilliance of A Ramachandran, a pivotal figure in the Indian modern art movement. This piece reflects his deep integration of Indian myths and Asian visual traditions. The work is part of his celebrated **‘Lotus Pond’ series**, inspired by the lotus ponds of Udaipur, where he intricately painted stylized versions of flora and fauna. The series was created in 1997, capturing the vibrant colors and dynamic nature of the pond. Currently, the image is featured on the **Bangalore Mirror** website.
The painting titled 'Divine Flame,' created by Sawlaram Lakshman Haldankar, showcases the artist's mastery of watercolour. This artwork, originating from India, was painted in the year 1931. The delicate use of color adds a soft, misty mood, capturing the viewer's attention with its serene and evocative quality. The painting is part of the collection at the Art Lounge and can be further explored on their website. Haldankar's works, including 'Divine Flame,' are celebrated for their contribution to modern Indian art, reflecting an important phase in the nation's artistic history.
The image depicts the "Gilt-bronze Pensive Bodhisattva," designated as National Treasure 78, a masterpiece of ancient Korean artistry. This exquisite artifact originates from the Three Kingdoms period, specifically the early 7th century, a time when Buddhist art flourished in Korea. The bodhisattva is elegantly portrayed in a pensive pose, characterized by serene contemplation, with one leg crossed over the other and a finger gently touching the face, embodying spiritual introspection and wisdom. The statue was discovered in Korea, reflecting the sophisticated craftsmanship and religious devotion of that era. Currently, this remarkable work of art is housed at the National Museum of Korea, where it captivates visitors with its intricate details and historical significance. The gilded bronze surface of the bodhisattva shimmers with a timeless beauty, offering a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural tapestry of ancient Korea.
The image showcases a remarkable artifact titled "Rare Roman Pottery Underwater," discovered near the ancient site of Richborough. This exquisite piece of pottery dates back to the Roman period, providing a tantalizing glimpse into the craftsmanship and daily life of that era. Unearthed off the coast of Sicily, the artifact was found submerged, preserved by the surrounding waters, offering historians a unique opportunity to study Roman maritime trade and cultural exchanges. Currently, this extraordinary artifact is part of a collection that highlights the ingenuity and artistry of Roman civilization, drawing attention to its historical significance and the mysteries it holds.
The image titled "Sidhatrtha with an Injured Bird" by Asit Kumar Haldar is an evocative work of art, illustrating a poignant moment from Buddha's life. Created in 1991, this painting is a fine example of Haldar's expertise in capturing historical and religious themes. The artwork was discovered in Jorasanko, Calcutta, during the Bengal renaissance period. Currently, this piece is housed in the Allahabad Museum, where it is part of a larger collection dedicated to Haldar's contributions to Indian art. Asit Kumar Haldar, born in 1890 in Jorasanko, was influenced by the teachings of Rabindranath Tagore and other prominent artists of his time.
Created by the influential Indian artist Abanindranath Tagore in 1905, "A Scene from Omar Khayyam" captures a moment of poetic intimacy through watercolor on paper. This exquisite painting, measuring 7.75 inches by 5.5 inches, exemplifies Tagore's evolution and distinctive style. The artwork showcases a dramatic interaction between a man offering a rose to an annoyed woman, set in a lyrical and relatable environment. This masterpiece is currently housed at the Calcutta Museum in Kolkata, India, and reflects Tagore's adeptness at blending texture, atmosphere, and dramatic expression, as noted by art critic Havell.