Untitled

Unknown

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

The night Mahavira died, his principal disciple reflected on his master's passing and experienced enlightenment. Indrabhuti is dressed in the white robes of a Svetambara monk, carries a cloth face mask, or mohapatti (to prevent inadvertently swallowing even microscopic life forms), over his right shoulder, has a small broom (for harmlessly brushing away even the smallest insects) at his right thigh, and holds a meditation rosary (mala). He is seated on a throne before which blooms a red lotus. The trees are also in flower, as if in recognition of his newly attained siddha-hood.

Artist

Unknown

Date

15th century

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

Culture

India (Gujarat)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1955