A Jain cosmic diagram depicting Jambudvipa, Western India, 17th/18th century

gouache on cloth, inscribed in devanagari script

In good condition, some minor rubbing to cloth and fold/crease marks, minor stains, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The island of Jambudvipa is shown here surrounded by Lavanasamudra or the 'Salt Water Sea'. Within the ring of water, in the four cardinal directions, are four Patalakalashas or receptacles, believed to cause the movement of the tides. Balance is maintained by mountains known as Velamdharas shown as discs adjoining each of the kalashas.

Six mountain ranges cross the continent from East to West and divide it into seven spaces. These Antaradvipas are the lands where humans are born. The largest of these is Mahavideha, the land in the middle, centred by Mount Meru. The two pairs of tusk-like forms radiating from Mount Meru are the Vaksara Mountains which enclose the Salmali tree in the South and the Jambu tree in the North, depicted in the painting as saplings. The lands of Bharata and Airavata lie to the South and North of Mahavideha respectively. Each is dotted with mountain peaks and criss-crossed by rivers originating from lakes high in the mountains, flowing outwards and emptying into Lavanasamudra.

For another painting of the subject see Collette Caillat, The Jain Cosmology, Basel-Paris-New Delhi, 1981, pp.142-3, no.74.