Artwork Page for Text, Folio 29 (verso), from a Kalpa-sutra

Details / Information for Text, Folio 29 (verso), from a Kalpa-sutra

Text, Folio 29 (verso), from a Kalpa-sutra

c. 1475–1500

Western India, Gujarat

View all records in artwork set
Medium
Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Measurements
Overall: 12.5 x 25.7 cm (4 15/16 x 10 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Edward L. Whittemore Fund 1932.119.29.b
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This page discusses the pregnancy of Queen Trishala when she was anxious about why she could not feel the baby move. In the painting she addresses her handmaids: “Has the child in my womb been destroyed? Has he been killed? Have I suffered a miscarriage? The child used to move, but now he does not move.” The baby is Mahavira, who will grow to be the historical founder of the Jain religion. According to the text, he remained motionless out of compassion for his mother, not wishing to disturb her. Once he realized how worried she was, he made a little movement, and this filled her with joy.
A horizontally oriented manuscript page features dense rows of black and red script across aged, tan paper. Three large, solid red circles punctuate the left, center, and right. Thin red vertical lines frame the central text, while finer script fills the upper and lower margins. The paper shows brown staining and wear, and a single black character marks the lower right corner.

Text, Folio 29 (verso), from a Kalpa-sutra

c. 1475–1500

Western India, Gujarat

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork