The Haḍḍa School of Art: Iconographic Markers
The monk (bhikṣu)
16 works
Shaven-headed “as required”, wrapped in the saṃghāṭi, the monk is the most human figure of the records: from the young novice caught laughing to the old man with deep wrinkles, the expression is that of a portrait. Six records show the novice’s lock of hair, kept before ordination.
The distinguishing marks
Each mark points to real records that describe it.
Three works to learn to look
The face of this young monk seems to be a portrait sketched from life, a caricature. The forehead is shaved as it should be. The face is thin and regular: open eyes, high cheekbones. His expression is joyful, he is laughing.
This modelling of an elderly monk is remarkably executed. The skull, slightly brachycephalic, is shaved. The face is deeply furrowed with wrinkles crossing the forehead, marking the "crow's feet" at the corners of the eyes, hollowing the cheeks and sagging the cheekbones. The frowning eyebrows and the pouting mouth express torment.
This young, shaven monk wears a saṃghāṭi that envelops him completely. He smiles broadly, looking affable and leaning forward.
Not to be confused with
All identified works
Tapa Kalān5 works
HADB 224
Head of Monk Bhikṣu
Stucco · Tapa Kalān
HADB 225
Head of Monk Bhikṣu
Stucco · Tapa Kalān
HADB 227
Head of Monk Bhikṣu, Novice with a lock of hair
Stucco · Tapa Kalān
HADB 232
Head of Monk Bhikṣu, Novice with a lock of hair
Stucco · Tapa Kalān
HADB 233
Bhikṣus Monks, Novice with a lock of hair
Stucco · Tapa Kalān
Bāgh Gaï4 works
Pratès3 works
Deh-i Ghoundi2 works
This figure in the tours
Guided tours of the database include several works of this figure.
In the identification key
The observation paths that lead to this figure in the questionnaire. Each path can be replayed.