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Buddhism along the Silk Road

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Art Object

Mahavira Sitting at the Top of the Universe: Folio from a Kalpasutra Manuscript

Date:
15th century
Culture:
India (Gujarat)
Medium:
Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Dimensions:
Overall: 4 3/8 x 10 5/8 in. (11.1 x 27 cm)
Classification:
Paintings
Credit Line:
Rogers Fund, 1955
Accession Number:
55.121.38.19
  • Description

    Mahavira as a liberated soul (siddha), having departed this life for the highest celestial heaven, isatpragbhara, is represented by the inverted crescent moon of "pure white gold." All siddhas, foremost among whom are the jinas, reside there in perfect bliss. A pair of flower buds emanates from behind Mahavira's crown, which may be read as a mark of siddha-hood. Flowering trees reverently incline
    toward the jina.

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    In the Museum
    Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
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