A COPPER ALLOY SHRINE OF PARSHVANATHA, 20TH CENTURY OR EARLIER

拍品描述

A COPPER ALLOY SHRINE OF PARSHVANATHA, 20TH CENTURY OR EARLIER Western India. Well cast and finely executed in openwork, the central deity seated in dhyanasana upon a cushioned throne supported by two addorsed lions, his hands resting in dhyana mudra above his lap, surrounded by seated and standing figures of jinas. The arched throne back embellished with elephant heads flanking a seven-hooded serpent (naga) canopy, surmounted by a kalasha-shaped finial. Inscriptions: The reverse with a dedicatory inscription in Devanagari script. Dimensions: Height 19.7 cm Recognized by the serpent hood above his head, the shrine is dedicated to Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara. He is one of the earliest Tirthankaras who are acknowledged as historical figures. He was the earliest exponent of Karma philosophy in recorded history. The Jain sources place him between the 9th and 8th centuries BC whereas historians point out that he lived in the 8th or 7th century BC. Gratifyingly plump, he counterbalances the complex array of jubilant jinas, deities, attendants, and animals.

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