Artwork
Kalpa-sutra Manuscript with 24 Miniatures: King Siddhartha Rises and Bathes
Kalpa-sutra Manuscript with 24 Miniatures: King Siddhartha Rises and Bathes is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1494 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting is one of twenty-four miniatures from a Kalpa-sutra manuscript, illustrating a scene titled "King Siddhartha Rises and Bathes.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The folios depict the early life of the Jina Mahavira, specifically the moment when his father, King Siddhartha, learns of the birth of his son and performs ablutions to purify the household. The scene shows Siddhartha seated in a palace interior as attendants bring water vessels for his ceremonial bath, conveying themes of purity and preparation for a sacred event. The iconography underscores the auspiciousness of Mahavira's birth by rendering the king's ritual cleansing as a liminal act that marks the transition from worldly life to spiritual destiny.
Symbolically, the bath alludes to the cleansing of impurities before the arrival of a tirthankara, reinforcing the Jain doctrine of non-attachment and ritual purification. The miniature's composition and decorative detailing emphasize the sanctity of the moment, aligning with the Kalpa-sutra's narrative purpose of recording the biographies of the Jinas for devotional and didactic use.
History & Provenance
Its religious genre and iconography reflect a Jain context, consistent with manuscript traditions of the period.
The Kalpa-sutra Manuscript with 24 Miniatures: King Siddhartha Rises and Bathes is dated to 1494 and associated with Gujarat, indicating its likely creation within a regional artistic milieu of western India during the late fifteenth century. Its religious genre and iconography reflect a Jain context, consistent with manuscript traditions of the period. The miniature is held by the Cleveland Museum of Art, catalogued under inventory number 1932.119.7. No specific exhibition history is documented in the available sources.
Overview
This painting is one of twenty-four miniatures from a Kalpa-sutra manuscript, illustrating a scene titled "King Siddhartha Rises and Bathes." It presents a regal figure, presumably King Siddhartha, seated on a throne, attended by a servant. The artwork is characterized by its vibrant color scheme, particularly a deep red background, and the liberal application of gold accents, which contribute to its overall sense of luxury and detailed craftsmanship.
Technique & Style
Rendered in a style reminiscent of traditional Indian art, the painting features bold lines and a bright, saturated color palette. A striking deep red forms the background, providing a dramatic setting for the figures. Intricate gold accents are strategically placed throughout, embellishing the king's attire, the elaborate throne, and other elements.
This extensive use of gold not only adds to the visual opulence but also emphasizes the importance and sanctity of the depicted scene.
Artist & collection
- Kalpa-sutra Manuscript with 24 Miniatures: Siddhartha Hears the Recitation of Trisala's Dreams
Kalpa-sutra Manuscript with 24 Miniatures: Mahavira's Tonsure
Kalpa-sutra Manuscript with 24 Miniatures: Birth of Rsabhanatha
Kalpa-sutra Manuscript with 24 Miniatures: Sakra Summons Harinegamesin
King Siddhartha's Morning Bath, Folio 22 (verso), from a Kalpa-sutra
Kalpa-sutra Manuscript with 24 Miniatures: Folio 60, text (recto); Sthulabhadra as a Lion (verso)
Seated Jina Rishabha Enshrined, from a Jain Manuscript: Kalpa-Sutra
Folio 40 from a Kalpa-sutra: Text (recto); Birth of Mahavira (verso)
Text, Folio 34 (verso), from a Kalpa-sutra
