Two jain diagrams

Estimated Value:

800 € - 1.200 €

Schätzpreis:

Description:

Western India, 19th c. and later
68 x 65 und 41 x 33,5 cm
The larger of the two diagrams combines the Jain hṛīṃ-yantra with the motif of the first sermon of the 23rd Jina Pārśva. This took place in the samavasaraṇa, a structure of three concentric crenellated walls and a central dais built by the gods for this purpose. In the centre sits the Jina, framed by the sacred syllables hṛīṃ and auṃ and flanked by two guardian deities (Sanskrit: śāsanadevatā) and their pack animals. Below the jina is a snake as a symbol of Pārśva. In three rows of contrasting colours, the fourfold Jain congregation, consisting of monks, nuns and male and female worshippers, attend the sermon. Particularly highlighted are the four portals through which the structure is entered from the four cardinal directions. Outside the samavasaraṇa, in the corners of the image, animals are depicted. According to Jain tradition, animals and gods came to hear the Jina's sermon in addition to humans. The magical sound emanating from the Jina, symbolised by the sacred syllable hṛīṃ, made "hostile" animals (meaning predators) listen peacefully to the sermon. The second diagram consists of small, colourfully painted squares and, according to the inscription, is supposed to have an auspicious effect.
From an important private collection in northern Germany, collected mainly in India from the early 1950s to the 1980s

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