Artwork

Mahavira's Omniscience and First Teaching (Samavasarana), Folio 39 (verso), from a Kalpa-sutra

Mahavira's Omniscience and First Teaching (Samavasarana), Folio 39 (verso), 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. This 15th-century Indian painting, Folio 39 (verso) from a Kalpa-sutra, combines text and imagery on a single page.

Accession no.: 1932.119.39.b
Credit line: Edward L. Whittemore Fund

About this work

Overview

This 15th-century Indian painting, Folio 39 (verso) from a Kalpa-sutra, combines text and imagery on a single page. The left side features writing in an ancient Indian script, while the right side presents a circular design with a central figure surrounded by intricate patterns and symbols, set against a beige background with red and blue accents.

Subject & Meaning

The subject matter revolves around Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, depicting his omniscience and first teaching (Samavasarana). The circular design (Samavasarana) symbolizes the assembly where Mahavira imparted his teachings, with the central figure likely representing Mahavira himself, surrounded by symbolic elements of his enlightenment and the dissemination of his doctrine.

Technique & Style

Executed with meticulous attention to detail, the painting showcases a blend of traditional Indian artistic elements, including the use of beige, red, and blue hues, intricate patterns, and symbolic motifs characteristic of Jain manuscript illustrations from the period. The script, possibly in an ancient Indian language like Sanskrit or another local script, adds to the overall ornateness.

History & Provenance

Created in the 15th century, this folio is part of a Kalpa-sutra, a Jain religious text. The specific provenance and artist remain unidentified in the provided information, though its style suggests origins from a region known for such manuscripts, possibly western India.

Context

This painting reflects the religious and artistic traditions of 15th-century Jainism in India, where illustrated manuscripts played a crucial role in disseminating religious teachings and stories. The use of symbolic imagery and sacred scripts underscored the spiritual significance of the text.

Legacy

As part of a Kalpa-sutra, this folio contributes to the understanding of Jain artistic and religious practices of its time. It also highlights the importance of illustrated manuscripts in preserving and transmitting religious narratives across generations.