Stone Sculpture - 18 cm

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Current bid
€ 11
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Peter Reynaers
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers

Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.

Estimate  € 1,100 - € 1,400
IT
€11
FR
€1

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Stone sculpture of a Jain Tirthankara seated in meditation from India, dating to the 15th–16th century, measuring 18 × 11 × 4.5 cm, unsigned and in good condition.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Tirthankara Jain seated in meditation
Western India, probably Gujarat
Medieval period - 15th/16th century
Carved stone sculpture in high relief
Dimensions: 18 × 11 × 4.5 cm

Interesting representation of a Tirthankara, a spiritual teacher who has achieved liberation in the Jain tradition.
The figure is depicted facing forward, seated in a meditative posture (padmasana), legs crossed, arms naturally resting and hands positioned outside the thighs. This symmetric arrangement of the limbs, combined with the frontal view of the figure, gives an overall impression of stability and contemplation.

The head is crowned with a finely incised hairstyle, while the torso displays several elements reminiscent of corporeal ornaments, notably a central pendant-like motif and bands crossing the chest. The arms also bear reliefs resembling bracelets.

The figure sits within a simple architectural composition, delineated by a broad curved border whose outline is animated by small regular incisions. The background, slightly hollowed, enhances the volume of the figure and creates a contrast between the frontal nature of the representation and the depth of the relief.
The lower plinth, formed of several horizontally stacked registers, lends the whole a monumental structure despite its relatively modest dimensions.

In Jain religious tradition, the Tirthankaras are the twenty-four spiritual masters who have achieved liberation from the cycle of rebirths. Their iconography generally favors a frontal and meditative representation, expressing detachment from the material world, mastery of the senses, and the pursuit of absolute knowledge (kevala jnana).

This sculpture presents a particularly expressive interpretation of medieval Indian religious iconography. The simplification of volumes, emphasis on facial features, and geometrization of the composition give it a strong plastically presence.

Condition: Old patina in ochre, honey-gold brown and dark gray tones. Wear, chips and abrasions, small irregularities and nicks on the edges and protruding parts. Deposits and chromatic variations in the relief’s recesses. Overall showing signs of age, with good overall readability of the sculpted composition. Good overall condition for its age.

Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with UPS and insured

Seller's Story

Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia. With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest. Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions. We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
Translated by Google Translate

Tirthankara Jain seated in meditation
Western India, probably Gujarat
Medieval period - 15th/16th century
Carved stone sculpture in high relief
Dimensions: 18 × 11 × 4.5 cm

Interesting representation of a Tirthankara, a spiritual teacher who has achieved liberation in the Jain tradition.
The figure is depicted facing forward, seated in a meditative posture (padmasana), legs crossed, arms naturally resting and hands positioned outside the thighs. This symmetric arrangement of the limbs, combined with the frontal view of the figure, gives an overall impression of stability and contemplation.

The head is crowned with a finely incised hairstyle, while the torso displays several elements reminiscent of corporeal ornaments, notably a central pendant-like motif and bands crossing the chest. The arms also bear reliefs resembling bracelets.

The figure sits within a simple architectural composition, delineated by a broad curved border whose outline is animated by small regular incisions. The background, slightly hollowed, enhances the volume of the figure and creates a contrast between the frontal nature of the representation and the depth of the relief.
The lower plinth, formed of several horizontally stacked registers, lends the whole a monumental structure despite its relatively modest dimensions.

In Jain religious tradition, the Tirthankaras are the twenty-four spiritual masters who have achieved liberation from the cycle of rebirths. Their iconography generally favors a frontal and meditative representation, expressing detachment from the material world, mastery of the senses, and the pursuit of absolute knowledge (kevala jnana).

This sculpture presents a particularly expressive interpretation of medieval Indian religious iconography. The simplification of volumes, emphasis on facial features, and geometrization of the composition give it a strong plastically presence.

Condition: Old patina in ochre, honey-gold brown and dark gray tones. Wear, chips and abrasions, small irregularities and nicks on the edges and protruding parts. Deposits and chromatic variations in the relief’s recesses. Overall showing signs of age, with good overall readability of the sculpted composition. Good overall condition for its age.

Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with UPS and insured

Seller's Story

Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia. With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest. Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions. We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Era
1400-1900
Over 200 years old
Yes
Country of origin
India
Material
Stone
Title of artwork
Tirthankara jaïn
Dynastic style/period
15th–16th century
Signature
Not signed
Provenance
Private collection
Condition
Good condition
Sold with stand
No
Height
18 cm
Width
11 cm
Depth
4.5 cm
PortugalVerified
210
Objects sold
100%
protop

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