Lot 235: AN INDIAN JAIN COSMOGRAPHICAL PAINTING ON CLOTH (ADHAIDVIPA), 19TH CENTURY.
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A large square Indian painting on cloth depicting the Adhaidvipa (Two and a Half Continents), representing the Manusyaloka or the portion of the universe inhabited by human beings according to Jain cosmographical tradition. The composition centres on a large circular diagram with Mount Meru signified by a square grid at the very centre. This is surrounded by concentric rings representing various continents and oceans, the latter depicted with stylised waves and aquatic creatures including fish. The rings are populated by numerous figures of Tirthankaras seated in meditative padmasana poses within small architectural shrines. Interspersed throughout the diagram are depictions of animals including tigers, elephants, horses, and birds, alongside human figures dressed in nineteenth-century Rajasthani style attire. Several chaupar or pachisi checkerboard patterns are integrated into the map. Each of the four corners is anchored by a triple-domed pavilion containing further seated Tirthankara figures. The painting is executed in pigments on cloth, characteristic of the Western Indian style from Rajasthan or Gujarat, and has been mounted onto a modern dark brown fabric border for support and display.
Approximately 123 x 116cm
Condition report:
The painting is in fair to good condition, consistent with its age. Visible horizontal and vertical creases are present across the cloth from previous folding. There is minor surface wear, occasional small losses of pigment, and general light staining across the surface. The work has been mounted onto a modern textile backing for structural stability.
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