The art and architecture of India - Buddhist, Hindu, Jain (Art Ebook)

q8 ROMANO-INDIAN ART
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tions of musicians and masked ceremonial
dancers, and on the pointed lid of this pyxis-like
object are painted winged genii with musical
instruments. Each is enclosed in a roundel with
pearls, recalling the favourite enframing motif
of Sasanian textile designs. The figures of the
erotes, and even their tonsures, recall the semiclassic
figures of Miran [126]. The whole is a
combination of the same Iranian and classical
elements so often found in Central Asian wallpaintings.
On the basis of its resemblance to the
Miran and Kizil styles, as well as for its Sasanian
characteristics, this object may perhaps be
dated as early as the fourth or fifth century a.d.
137. Wooden chair from Niya.
London, British Museum
138. Relic casket from Kucha or Kizil.
Japan, private collection