Artwork

Text, Folio 26 (verso), from a Kalpa-sutra

Text, Folio 26 (verso), from a Kalpa-sutra, by Unknown, unspecified, 1488
Text, Folio 26 (verso), from a Kalpa-sutra, by Unknown, unspecified, 1488

Text, Folio 26 (verso), from a Kalpa-sutra is an unspecified painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1488 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This artwork is a single page (folio 26, verso) from a Kalpa-sutra, a religious text.

About this work

Overview

This artwork is a single page (folio 26, verso) from a Kalpa-sutra, a religious text. The page features tightly packed handwritten text in a sharp, curved script, bounded by red vertical borders and adorned with small red circles at the edges. The paper, slightly yellowed and worn, indicates age.

Subject & Meaning

As part of a Kalpa-sutra, this text page likely contains religious teachings or narratives from Jain scriptures, given the Kalpa-sutra's significance in Jainism as a collection of stories about the lives of Tirthankaras (Jain sages).

Technique & Style

The text is rendered in a distinctive script characterized by sharp peaks and curves, typical of ancient Indian or Southeast Asian writing systems. The use of red for borders and accents suggests a deliberate aesthetic choice for emphasis or sacredness.

History & Provenance

Limited information is provided about the page's origins, age, or ownership history. The wear and yellowing of the paper suggest it is several centuries old, but exact dating and provenance details are not specified.

Context

This folio would have been part of a larger manuscript used for religious study or ceremonial purposes within a Jain community. The format and script reflect the manuscript traditions of its time and region.

Legacy

As a fragment of a religious text, its legacy lies in its contribution to the preservation of Jain scriptures and the illustration of ancient manuscript practices. Its current status as an artwork in a collection (implied by the mention of The Cleveland Museum of Art) highlights its value as a cultural and historical artifact.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.