The genius

The Genius with Flowers is one of the most famous pieces among those found at Haḍḍa and was the subject of an article by Alfred Foucher (Foucher, 1930). It was discovered in a nearby chapel of stūpa 140. At the back of a caitya, on a platform, stood a walking Buddha (estimated to be about 220 cm high) surrounded by two other statues of 90 cm to 100 cm, placed in each corner. On the wall placed symmetrically to the flower genie was another bust, an orant in añjalimudrā which collapsed when it was being cast.

Ancient texts report that some gods only manifested themselves halfway up the body, which the artists probably wished to illustrate here. The genius drew with his right hand (now lost) a whole supply of flowers contained in the sinus of his uttarīya, held by his other hand, in order to rain petals on the Buddha. Shirtless, he wears a necklace made of a large chain with an oval medallion set in it. Although this work is of exceptional quality, it does not appear to be the work of a particular, identifiable genius. In this setting, he belongs to the cohort of devout "helpers" whose backgrounds Buddhist artists cover with paintings or bas-reliefs. He is a genius among many others, a devaputra(son of god), a divine being of some kind. He has no lakṣana, sign or attribute that could classify him among the great gods. His role as a flower-throwing orant is always lent to ordinary geniuses.

The fine and delicate features of this head add to its feminine character. The face, of Indian inspiration, is surrounded by twisted curls, a kind of short English curls. The genius wears a crown, which seems to be encrusted with stones and supports a central pearl. The upper part of the hair is wrapped in a turban arranged in several knots and falling in a wider part on the left, in the manner of a "novice's braid". The earlobes are deformed. In the Guimet Museum, this head is rendered on a bust. A wide, torque-like necklace adorns the naked torso, clad in a beautiful uttarāsaṅga. With his left hand, he holds a flap of it to create a kind of pouch with flowers. The drapery is very finely executed.

The face of this genius is idealised, the open eyes and round cheeks give the figure a childlike appearance. The hair is held in place by a simple headband. The hair is treated in twisted curls, a kind of short English curls, which fall down and frame the face.