6. The Emergence of the Classical Style: Buddhist Sculpture of the Seventh Century

Abstract

The transition from the Pandrethan style to the Classical is relatively straightforward in the case of standing male and female Buddhist and Brahmanical deities, largely involving a refinement of general features. The surviving evidence of Buddhist sculpture from seventh century Kashmir other than that of Pandrethan largely comprises bronze images of the Buddha, many of which have been preserved in Tibetan monasteries. This chapter discusses the earliest recorded Kashmir sculpture in which the Buddha is placed on such a lotus, which is surprising given its popularity in the early sculpture of Swat. However, foreign artists must have been there working together with local artists, and one such sculptor from Swat was probably solely responsible for the standing female deity. The role of the patron in the selection of style, ornament and iconography too was obviously of great importance.Keywords:buddhist sculpture; Kashmir; Pandrethan; seventh Century; Swat