INDIA, RAJASTHAN, CIRCA 18TH CENTURY

Details

madhyaloka with Jina at center
India, Rajasthan, circa 18th century
The middle world depicted as multi-colored concentric circles representing continents and water, the Jina Mahavira at center flanked by two worshippers and lions at his feet, with architectural niches in the cardinal directions filled with worshippers, all surrounded by a red wall
48½ x 49 in. (123.2 x 124.5 cm.)

Lot Essay

The term "tantric" pertains to manuscript texts called tantras, which describe the teachings, philosophy and practice of Jain, Buddhist and Hindu religions. These texts, some of which date back to 600 AD, were often accompanied by illustrations that were elaborated upon as they were copied in later centuries. This section offers several types of tantric paintings pertaining specifically to Jainism, including jampudvipas, yantras, patas, lokapurushas, and nakashatras.

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