Artwork
Mahavira Rides in His Initiation Palanquin, Folio 36 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra
Mahavira Rides in His Initiation Palanquin, Folio 36 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra is an unspecified painting by the Indian Miniature artist Unknown. It dates from 1488 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1932.119.36.a
- Credit line
- Edward L. Whittemore Fund
About this work
Overview
This painting is a folio from a Kalpa-sutra manuscript, depicting a scene with a central figure on a raised platform surrounded by attendants.
Subject & Meaning
The scene likely represents Mahavira's initiation, with the central figure being Mahavira, seated on a palanquin. The surrounding figures are probably attendants or devotees.
Technique & Style
The painting features a bright red border and a dense background filled with text in black and red ink. The figures are rendered in detail, with the central figure wearing gold and blue robes, while the attendants wear colorful clothing.
Artist & collection
Mahavira in the Realm of Liberation (Nirvana), Folio 43 (verso), from a Kalpa-sutra
Mahavira's Omniscience and First Teaching (Samavasarana), Folio 39 (verso), from a Kalpa-sutra
Birth of Parshva, Folio 45 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra
Mahavira's Initiation Tonsure, Folio 37 (verso), from a Kalpa-sutra
Indra Venerates the Embryo of Mahavira, Folio 7 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra
Text, Folio 34 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra