Examples of Indian Sculpture

Book Details:

• ISBN: 8170203635
• Author: Lawrence Binyon
• Pages: 44 pp + Illustrations
• Year of Publishing: 1978
• Binding: Hardbound
• Publisher: Cosmo Publications

This compact album showcases a selection of sculptures preserved in the British Museum, focusing on both Buddhist and Brahmanical art. Lawrence Binyon presents a detailed exploration of the Buddhist ideal of renunciation, which frees the human spirit from earthly attachments. He also delves into the depiction of Shiva as the Divine Dancer, symbolizing cosmic harmony, as well as the graceful and powerful APSARA figures — their broad hips, narrow waists, and jewel-laden forms epitomizing both strength and grace.

Binyon highlights the Indian sculptural tradition’s ability to capture moments of transition between movement and tranquility, illustrating moments of ecstasy and illumination. These unique artistic expressions profoundly influenced Buddhist sculptors across regions such as Burma, Ceylon, Java, Cambodia, Angkor, China, and Japan, who borrowed from the rich iconography of India, adapting poses, gestures, and symbols in their own works. This album serves as a testament to the mastery of Indian sculpture and offers an insightful resource for students of Indian history and art.