Page "Greco-Buddhist art" Paragraph 53

These figures, also known as " apsarases " were extensively adopted in Buddhist art, especially throughout Eastern Asia, in forms derivative to the Greco-Buddhist representation.

The progressive evolution of the style can be seen in the art of Qizil and Dunhuang.

It is unclear however if the concept of the flying cupids was brought to India from the West, of if it had an independent Indian origin, although Boardman considers it a Classical contribution: " Another Classical motif we found in India is the pair of hovering winged figures, generally called apsaras.

" ( Boardman )