EN
♡
The Eleven Principal Disciples (Ganadharas) of Mahavira, Folio 57 (verso), from a Kalpa-sutra — Western India, Gujarat

Click image to view full screen

Written by: Samuel FernándezSenior Specialist · Illumination (Tezhip)
Illumination (Tezhip) · Catalogue no. 38384
Western India, Gujarat

The Eleven Principal Disciples (Ganadharas) of Mahavira, Folio 57 (verso), from a Kalpa-sutra

StatusReference work · Not for sale
Held byCleveland Museum of Art
Own a comparable work? Consign with us

✓ Authenticity guarantee · ✓ Specialist condition report · ✓ Insured worldwide shipping · ✓ Private-room viewing

The founder of Jainism, Mahavira, had 11 main disciples, all depicted as identical to one another. They all sit in a meditative posture, with the left hand in the lap, while the right hand is in the gesture of teaching. They each have shaven heads, elongated earlobes, and white robes, indicating that this manuscript was used by the Shvetambara (White Clad) sect. <br><br>In the upper central grid, decorated with flowers, is a stylized <em>om-hrim, </em>mystic syllables visually combined to invoke the essence of all Jain teaching.

Artist / MakerWestern India, Gujarat
Datec. 1475–1500
Culture / OriginWestern India, Gujarat
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
About the Artist

Full biography →

Provenance & Source

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

Condition

A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.

Shipping & Collection

Fine-art shipping with climate control and full insurance to over 120 countries; collection by appointment.

Buying at Matchless Pieces

Register, verify your identity, and bid online or in a private room. Buyer’s premium and taxes are shown before you confirm.

The Matchless Letter

Sale previews, new discoveries in illumination and miniature, and private-room invitations.