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Text, folio 24 (verso), from a Kalpa-sutra — Anonymous, last quarter of the 15th century

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Written by: Kenji LindqvistSenior Specialist · Illumination (Tezhip)
Illumination (Tezhip) · Catalogue no. 35164
Anonymous, last quarter of the 15th century

Text, folio 24 (verso), from a Kalpa-sutra

StatusReference work · Not for sale
Held byCleveland Museum of Art
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King Siddhartha is depicted on this page with his wife, Trishala, who had a series of auspicious dreams associated with her pregnancy. Her child Mahavira would grow up to become the historical founder of the Jain religion in the 500s BCE. The royal couple is resplendently enthroned and bedecked in jewelry. Queen Trishala’s bodice was painted with a green pigment made from copper and vinegar; its high acid content caused the paper itself to disintegrate. The lavish use of gold and lapis lazuli indicates that it was a costly production.

Artist / MakerAnonymous, last quarter of the 15th century
Datec. 1475–1500
Culture / OriginWestern India, Gujarat, last quarter of the 15th century
MediumGum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
DimensionsOverall: 12.5 x 25.7 cm (4 15/16 x 10 1/8 in.)
DepartmentIndian and Southeast Asian Art
TypePainting
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Provenance & Source

Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.

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