A JAIN SIDDHACHAKRA MAYAYANTRA, INDIA, GUJARAT OR RAJASTHAN, EARLY 18TH CENTURY

拍品描述

A JAIN SIDDHACHAKRA MAYAYANTRA, INDIA, GUJARAT OR RAJASTHAN, EARLY 18TH CENTURY Ink on cloth. Finely painted and inscribed on cloth, the complex ritual diagram centered by a diminutive seated Jina within a series of concentric rectangular and circular enclosures, surrounded by radiating registers filled with sacred syllables, mantras, auspicious emblems, and extensive inscriptions in Devanagari script. The successive bands are divided into numerous compartments and petal-like sections, creating a densely ordered cosmological composition associated with the Siddhachakra and the veneration of the Jain Navapada. The upper register is dominated by a stylized elephant head with large almond-shaped eyes and sweeping ears, while elaborate foliate and flame-like motifs extend along the sides. Further auspicious figures and symbols are dispersed throughout, including a small seated deity in the lower right. Painted predominantly in red, black, blue, and green pigments against the natural cloth ground, the whole forms an intricate diagram intended for ritual contemplation and protective use. Dimensions: Sheet size 34.5 x 30.5 cm, Size incl. frame 55.5 x 51 cm Firmly mounted on cardboard and set inside a frame, behind glass. (2) This painting depicts a Jain yantra, a diagram that integrates incantations (mantras) together with images of deities. They are used for tantric and meditative practices and are an aide to the attainment of enlightenment. This is an example of a Siddhachakra Mayayantra, a large scale yantra, that is depicted as a kalasha pot with an eye on either side. The kalasha is a golden vase and one of the eight auspicious symbols of Jainism. When filled with pure water, it symbolizes wisdom and fullness, indicated by the presence of eyes on either side of its neck. Literature comparison: Compare a related yatra depicting a diagram of Suri Mantra, Gujarat, dated c.1600, and illustrated by P. Pal, The Peaceful Liberators: Jain art from India, Los Angeles, 1995, p. 80, no. 49. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s London, 26 April 2023, lot 68 Mid-estimate: GBP 7,000 or approx. EUR 9,100 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related diagrammatic representation. Note the size (90.5 X 91 cm).

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