Soapstone carvings in Somnathpur
Chennakesava Temple is fully made of intricately carved soapstone blocks
You'll see some of the finest carvings on the interior and exterior walls of the temple.
Hoysala Art. It appears as executed in cast metal. In fact this is carved out of soft soapstone, and hardened over a period. The softer soapstone is highly workable, especially for the finer details. This is the image of the door keeper deity at Chennakeshava temple in Belur, Karnataka.
The 6 layered frieze over which the boldly executed sculptures are installed around the outer walls. All are done in soapstone. The bottom represents a elephants is various postures, all unique, above which is a series of horses, the next band represents lions. Above this is a sequence of mythical themes carved in sequence (like in a comics strips). The top two bands are of peacock and a mythological creature.
Soapstone carved image from Buchishwara temple at Koravangala. Note the footwear!
Soapstone carvings in Somnathpur
Chennakesava Temple is fully made of intricately carved soapstone blocks
Hoysalacarving in soapstone (inside temple)