South Asia, India, India, Rajasthan, ca. 11th to 12th century CE. A fabulous sandstone panel, meticulously hand-sculpted with the high relief scene of a Jain Tirthankara or Jina - a savior and spiritual teacher of the dharma - flanked by 2 female attendants. Seated upon a lotus flower in full lotus position, the ancient educator is depicted bare-chested with both hands resting in lap in the dhyana mudra, also known as the meditation mudra. A Srivatsa - one of the 8 auspicious symbols - is shown on his chest in low relief - a traditional iconographic indicator of a Tirthankara. Hair piled in a coiled top bun atop his head, the sacred instructor gazes outward, his serene countenance presenting huge eyes beneath a sweeping brow, a round nose, and a gentle grin. His lengthy ear lobes fall to his square shoulders, symbolizing his renunciation of earthly possessions to immerse fully in the spiritual realm. Size: 10.5" W x 4.5" H (26.7 cm x 11.4 cm); 7" H (17.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Both attendants face their divine teacher, each bowing on 1 knee and holding hands together in a prayer position at their breasts to display the Anjali mudra, expressing honor and respect. The youthful beauties both wear sheer skirts, beaded necklaces that drape their bare chests, and large, annular earrings. Hair neatly pulled back into a low-set chignon, each woman's face showcases, elongated, almond-shaped eyes beneath arched brows, a naturalistic nose, and closed lips. A pair of columns flanks the entirety of the sacred scene.

A Tirthankara, literally meaning "ford-maker" in Sanskrit, is a spiritual teacher, savior, founder of the tirtha, and conqueror of the samsara (cycle of death and rebirth) who made a path for others to follow. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, "At the heart of daily Jain religious observance is the veneration of the image of the jina, the conceptual basis of which is the pan-Indian ideal of the yogic ascetic. This ancient practice, celebrated in the Vedas (the most ancient Hindu texts), equates the acquisition of spiritual wisdom with the pursuit of advanced forms of meditation and withdrawal from material comforts. In Jainism, the twenty-four liberated souls who are recognized as having attained this elevated state are worshipped as tirthankaras (ford crossers)."

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, 1995 to 2010; ex-Earl Stendahl collection; ex-Alfred Stendahl collection, acquired 1950s to 1960s; ex-Spinks, London, England, United Kingdom

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#171699

Fragment of a larger piece. Chipping to peripheries. Nicks and abrasions throughout, commensurate with age. Possible resurfacing to faces. Otherwise, excellent with great remaining details and light earthen deposits. Collection label and drill hole on verso.