46 
THE INDIAN MUSEUM: 1814-1914. 
command, creates all animate beings. Another figure near to 
this is Mangusri, who, in the same manner, is the creator of 
all inanimate things, in other words the great architect of 
this world. The statuette of Padmapani measures about 30 
inches in height and is presumed to be the work of Nepalese 
craftsmen of the 7th or 8th century a.d. There is much 
that is very beautiful about this figure and one may call 
special attention to the modelling of the hands. In explana¬ 
tion of some of its characteristics which possibly appear un¬ 
usual to the uninitiated the following may be quoted : ‘‘ The 
attenuated waist and generalization of the anatomy carried 
much further than the Greeks ever attempted, producing an 
extreme simplicity of form and contour, are part of a de¬ 
liberate intention of suggesting a type of abstract, spiritual 
beauty, far removed from worldly passions and desires.” 
Manjusri, who has been already mentioned, was the 
founder of Nepal. With his sword he cut a cleft in the range 
of mountains, which caused the lake to drain away and form 
the fertile''Valley of Nepal.” There, is an inscription on 
this statuette which shows that it was dedicated to a Nepa¬ 
lese shrine in the year a.d. 1782. 
A very pleasing specimen of the work of the same school 
is a fragment of a scene evidently torn from some fixture in a 
temple. Three or water nymphs rising out of the 
swirling current of the Ganges with the Himalayas in the 
distance. Above the peaks are conventional clouds, while 
grottos and passes are indicated running into the mountain 
range. The idea is a very beautiful one and the whole com¬ 
position suggests the Rhine maiden of German legend, or 
some similar story. 
From the work in metal we immediately pass on to the 
section devoted to metal objects decorated by some particular 
process, such as encrusting, enamelling, damascening, etc. 
Probably the most attractive of these arts is that of enamel¬ 
ling, and we may accordingly examine the objects ornamented 
in this way somewhat in detail. Examples from Kashmir, 
Jaipur, Multan, Bahawalpur, Lucknow, etc., are displayed 
and illustrate the various styles of work fairly completely. 
The Lucknow school is well represented by several fine 
