Lot 279: A LARGE JAIN COSMOLOGICAL PATA DEPICTING THE LOKAPURUSHA AND ADHAIDVIPA, INDIA, 19TH CENTURY.
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This large-scale Jain cosmological painting, known as a pata, is executed in pigments and gold leaf on a cotton textile support. The composition is centred on the monumental figure of the Lokapurusha, or Cosmic Man, whose body serves as a map for the structure of the universe. The figure is depicted in a frontal, hieratic pose, with the torso and legs divided into a grid of compartments containing extensive sacred calligraphy in red Devanagari script, including the syllables Om and Hrim, alongside smaller human figures. Flanking the central figure are two large, concentric circular diagrams representing the Adhaidvipa, or the Two-and-a-Half Continents, depicting the inhabited world with its complex geography of oceans, mountains, and rivers. Within these circles are seated Tirthankaras housed in red-canopied shrines. The dark background is densely populated with celestial and terrestrial motifs, including winged Vidyadharas carrying banners, stylized trees, elephants, and domed temple-like shrines. The top border features a horizontal frieze of twelve bulls or cows against a deep blue background, likely representing a zodiacal or symbolic progression. The work demonstrates the traditional Western Indian style, likely from Rajasthan or Gujarat, characterized by fine line work and the significant use of gold for jewellery, crowns, and architectural highlights.
Approximately 122 x 94cm
Condition report:
The textile is in good overall condition commensurate with its age. Visible creasing is present throughout from prior folding or rolling. Minor staining is evident, most notably in the upper left and right corners. There is some expected fading and minor loss to the pigments and gold highlights in localized areas. The edges appear stable and the work is finished with a dark brown fabric border.
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