Arts that are common in India include architecture, sculpture, pottery, paintings and tapestries. India is rich with visual arts and beautiful architecture, mostly reflecting Hindu and Buddhist tradition. In this article, I will explore the similarities and differences between Hindu and Buddhist artwork.
Buddhist Art
In Buddhist art, sculpture is the most prevalent form. Early sculptures dating back to the pre-iconic period were mostly found in the form of friezes (votive tablets). During this time, humanistic forms of Buddha were not usually used, but Buddhist principals were depicted in symbols carved onto stone tablets. In the Iconic period (1st Century AD to present), more humanistic depictions of Buddha are prevalent. Buddha sculptures are usually formed with realistic idealism. The images are realistic to human form and features, but they are also made to represent idealistic perfection.
Islamic Art
Islamic art utilizes more styles than Buddhist art. Common Islamic art is found in architecture, sculptures, paintings and tapestries. The most commonly seen Islamic art form is found in architecture that is characterized by the common dome ceilings and the four posts with the pointed tops as seen with the Taj-Mahal. The domed ceiling dates back to 691 BCE with the building of the ‘Dome of the Rock’.
Some Islamic art is seen in sculptures and structures cut from rock. This was largely influenced by Greek art and architecture. This rock-cut form of art and architecture is also seen in many Buddhist Temples and structures.
One extremely common and popular form of art is found in the Islamic made pile carpets (oriental rugs). Other types found are ceramic and glass pottery, and paintings depicting Gods, Goddesses, and nature.
Similarities between Buddhist and Islamic art
Two similarities seen in Islamic and Buddhist art are in sculptures and Rock Cut architecture. Both groups were influenced by Greek art and philosophies and these philosophies and styles influenced Indian visual art. More traditional Indian art is found in sculptures where more Greek influenced art is found in architecture and rock cut structures.
The styles and the way in which sculptures were carved are very similar between Islamic work and Buddhist work. The way to tell the difference is in what the sculptures are depicting. The symbolism used is different, and Islamic sculptures are usually found with calligraphy depicting scripture or Islamic ideologies. Another similarity seen is the richness of colors used in both styles. There are a lot of golds and reds and deep colors in most of this art. In both styles, the art is usually used as a form of worship, so only the best materials and richest colors are used.
Differences in Buddhist and Islamic art
The major difference seen in these two styles is that the Islamic art utilizes many more forms and styles than Buddhist art. The most common art style in Buddhism is sculpture, where common Islamic styles include everything from painting to tapestries. This has made Islamic art more popular and sought after on an international level.
Another noticeable difference is that Islamic art depicts many different people, concepts and ideologies, where Buddhist art more commonly depicts or symbolizes Buddha himself.
References:
- India.gov.in/knowindia/visual_arts.php
- Suresh, K.M. , Sharma, D.P. , Qureshi, Dulari, Encyclopedia of Indian Architecture, 2008 (ISBN 9788180901775)
- Sharmon, Lee, A History of Far Eastern Art (fifth edition), New York: Apprentice Hall, 2003 (ISBN 0131833669)
- Islamic Art and Architecture, Encarta Encyclopedia, 2009
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