ticketsMember | Make a donation

Svetambara Enthroned Jina, with Attendant Yaksha and Yakshi

ca. second half of the 11th century
Not on view
Restituted
This artwork was restituted in March 2023. It is no longer in the museum’s collection.
The jina is represented as a supreme yoga and acharya, an illustrious religious teacher. Elevated on a stepped cushioned throne supported by lions and elephants, symbols of bravery and strength, this tirthankhara embodies the Jain virtue of spiritual wisdom. An openwork back plate (now missing) would have evoked the heavenly palace in which he resides, accompanied by celestial adorers. His
principal attendants—a seated yaksha and yakshi—flank the throne, and kneeling deer listen to the teachings symbolized by the wheel (dharmachakra) at the center of the throne pedestal. This icon was once gilded—traces can still be detected—in keeping with the desire that it emit a sacred aura like that achieved by light reflecting off gold. Indian religions have long seen the ability to absorb and radiate light as indicative of divinity.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Svetambara Enthroned Jina, with Attendant Yaksha and Yakshi
  • Date: ca. second half of the 11th century
  • Culture: India (Gujarat)
  • Medium: Copper alloy inlaid with silver and copper
  • Dimensions: H. 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm); W. 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm); D. 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Anonymous Gift, 1992
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Parikara (Backplate), Brass inlaid with silver and copper, India (Gujarat)
Restituted
Parikara (Backplate)
India (Gujarat)
dated 1449
Child Saint Sambandar, Copper alloy, India, Tamil Nadu
Child Saint Sambandar
India, Tamil Nadu
late 11th century
Shiva as Lord of Dance (Nataraja), Copper alloy, Indian (Tamil Nadu)
Shiva as Lord of Dance (Nataraja)
Indian (Tamil Nadu)
ca. 11th century
Karaikkal Ammaiyar, Shaiva Saint, Copper alloy, India (Tamil Nadu)
Karaikkal Ammaiyar, Shaiva Saint
India (Tamil Nadu)
ca. late 13th century
Yashoda with the Infant Krishna , Copper alloy, India (Tamil Nadu, Pudukkottai and Tanjavur districts)

Yashoda with the Infant Krishna

India (Tamil Nadu, Pudukkottai and Tanjavur districts)
early 12th century

Related Content

Timeline of Art History

Entries from The Met's art encyclopedia.

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.