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.

Main Asian Rotation (Gallery 245); January 5, 2015 -

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 Cleveland Museum of Art

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

Western India, Gujarat, Patan

Description