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The Monk Gautama, Enthroned: Folio 2 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra and Story of Kalakacharya of Devachandra
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
The text on this rare, early manuscript page tells of the birth of Mahavira, but the painting is that of a monk, seated in the yogic posture of meditation and making the gesture of recitation and discourse with his right hand. He wears a white robe, and over his shoulders is a broom that he would use to sweep the ground before him as he walks, to ensure he does not inadvertently harm a tiny creature. Strict adherence to nonviolence is a major tenet of the Jain religion.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineThe Monk Gautama, Enthroned: Folio 2 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra and Story of Kalakacharya of Devachandra, 1279. Western India, Gujarat, Patan (Anahillapura), reign of King Sarangadeva of the Vaghela dynasty (1275-1297). Gum tempera and ink on palm leaf; overall: 4.4 x 35.2 cm (1 3/4 x 13 7/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund, 1971.123.a
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