Untitled

Unknown

9th century · Copper alloy · Asian Art

The Deccan and Tamil Nadu were strongholds of the Digmabara sect—the "sky clad," or those who go naked. Jainism prospered in the south, attracting patronage from Pandyan and other rulers throughout the first millennium. Most images from that region depict jinas as committed renunciants, unencumbered by material possessions. Images of a tirthankara in the austerity meditation "body-abandonment" posture are among the most understated and beautiful of the period, and thus successfully embody the essence of the doctrine of renunciation of the material world.

Artist

Unknown

Date

9th century

Medium

Copper alloy

Culture

India (Karnataka)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, 1995