Artwork Page for The Monk Gautama, Enthroned: Folio 2 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra and Story of Kalakacharya of Devachandra

Details / Information for The Monk Gautama, Enthroned: Folio 2 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra and Story of Kalakacharya of Devachandra

The Monk Gautama, Enthroned: Folio 2 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra and Story of Kalakacharya of Devachandra

1279

Western India, Gujarat, Patan (Anahillapura), reign of King Sarangadeva of the Vaghela dynasty

(1275-1297)
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Medium
gum tempera and ink on palm leaf
Measurements
Overall: 4.4 x 35.2 cm (1 3/4 x 13 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1971.123.a
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

The text on this rare, early manuscript page tells of the birth of Mahavira, but the painting is that of a monk, seated in the yogic posture of meditation and making the gesture of recitation and discourse with his right hand. He wears a white robe, and over his shoulders is a broom that he would use to sweep the ground before him as he walks, to ensure he does not inadvertently harm a tiny creature. Strict adherence to nonviolence is a major tenet of the Jain religion.
A horizontally oriented, fragmented palm leaf features three panels of black Indic script in gum tempera and ink. Toward the right, a red square frame depicts the light-skinned Monk Gautama sitting cross-legged on a tiered white throne against a blue rectangle. A circular binding hole sits within a red ring between the left and middle text sections. The long, narrow leaf has weathered, irregular edges and thin red borders.

The Monk Gautama, Enthroned: Folio 2 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra and Story of Kalakacharya of Devachandra

1279

Western India, Gujarat, Patan (Anahillapura), reign of King Sarangadeva of the Vaghela dynasty (1275-1297)

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