Early Buddhist Art
Artist: unknown
Title: Mauryan Temple of the First Sermon at Sarnath, Ashokan
pillar capital
Material: Chunar sandstone
Site: Sarnath, India
Current Location: Sarnath Site Museum, India
Period/Date: Mauryan period (ca. 323-185 B.C.E.)
Iconography/Iconology: There is considerable debate about the meaning
of the adorsed lions that form the major portion of the capital sculpture.
The lions originally supported a wheel (cakra
) that is symbolic of the Buddha having set the teachings in motion
by "turning the wheel of the law." Throughout the history of
Buddhist art, lions have been used in the context of supporting the teachings
by lending their power and energy to them. On the other hand, the lions
may have been secular symbols of the rule of the Mauryans who had adopted
an essentially Persian iconography. The Buddhist may have then adopted
this royal iconography.
Stylistic Comments: The lions are sculpted in an Achamenid style
and greatly reflect 5th and 6th century sculptures in Persia, strongly arguing
for their "Persian" roots.
