- 290
A Jain Cosmic Diagram depicting the World of Mortals
Estimate
8,000 - 10,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- A Jain Cosmic Diagram depicting the World of Mortals
- Pigment on cloth laid down on canvas
- Image 29 by 29 in. (73.7 by 73.7 cm.)
The present painting is a Jain schematic diagram of the cosmos representing the World of Mortals or manushyaloka and its demarcation into various levels of material and spiritual experience that man must traverse in the journey towards Enlightenment, which is at the epicenter of the mandala.
The circumference of the realm of mortals girds three island-continents separated by oceanic rings. The two outer circles represent the earthly domain into which humans are born. Holy rivers meander through this realm and between them are fords represented by circles, which are crossed by Tirthankaras on their journey towards enlightenment. The innermost circle represents Jambu Dvipa the Realm of the Gods, centered by mount Meru, the final destination of all migrating souls.
The circumference of the realm of mortals girds three island-continents separated by oceanic rings. The two outer circles represent the earthly domain into which humans are born. Holy rivers meander through this realm and between them are fords represented by circles, which are crossed by Tirthankaras on their journey towards enlightenment. The innermost circle represents Jambu Dvipa the Realm of the Gods, centered by mount Meru, the final destination of all migrating souls.
Catalogue Note
Compare with another painting of the same subject illustrated in Amy Poster, Realms of Heroism, New York, 1994, cat. 187, pp. 229-231.