Untitled

Unknown

15th century · Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper · Asian Art

Mahavira rides through the streets in a palanquin resembling a portable celestial palace (vimana) prepared for him by Shakra and carried by four celebrants. Two female attendants cool him with fly-whisk fans (chauri), and poised on the pavilion roof are two celestial musicians (gandharvas) blowing conch-shell trumpets in celebration. The depiction fits well with descriptions of festival processions provided in the Kalpasutra. This event marks Mahavira's final journey to the neighboring forest, where he renounces all worldly attachments.

Artist

Unknown

Date

15th century

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

Culture

India (Gujarat)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1955