Untitled

Unknown

late 14th century · Opaque watercolor on paper · Asian Art

The story of Mahavira as recounted by Hemachandra tells of the jina's father, King Siddhartha, summoning astrologers to his court to interpret Queen Trisala's dreams of a future son. They foretell that their son will be either a universal ruler (chakravartin) or a universal religious savoir, a jina. The dynamic and engaging scene shows a masterful control of form-defining line and a sensitive use of gesture. Both figures wear finely embroidered translucent muslins and are sheltered by honorific umbrellas.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 14th century

Medium

Opaque watercolor on paper

Culture

India (Gujarat)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Friends of Asian Art, Evelyn Kranes Kossak Gift, 1997