Art of India

Book Details:

• ISBN: 9788130716251
• Author: Stella Kramrisch
• Pages: 418 pp + Color Illustrations
• Year of Publishing: 2020
• Binding: Hard Bound
• Publisher: Cosmo Publications

The Art of India by Stella Kramrisch offers an exceptional exploration of Indian art, notable for its 190 carefully selected plates, many of which depict lesser-known subjects. These illustrations provide readers with a deeper understanding of the complexity of Indian art, spanning from the earliest depictions at Mohenjo-Daro to the refined figurines of the 5th century and the intricate miniatures of the 18th century.

The introduction, titled Traditions of Indian Art, is not focused on historical timelines but instead establishes the enduring principles of artistic development in India. Kramrisch emphasizes the influence of religious forces in shaping art, presenting art as a projection of metaphysics. She particularly highlights the significance of the temple in Indian art, viewing it as the embodiment of the intellectual and spiritual journey towards the Supreme Principle, symbolized by the deity. The temple, in her view, is a physical and metaphysical space that reveals the formless, the ultimate source of all form, and the point of spiritual deliverance.

This work is foundational for the study of Indian art and culture, offering valuable insights into the spiritual and architectural dimensions of Indian artistic expression.