DESCRIPTION
The cosmic man is a popular theme in late Jain painting although its origins are evident from the fourteenth century. This example is a striking and beautiful painting, characteristic of the north Rajasthan region centred around Bikaner state, and is possibly a late 19th century rendition.
The cosmological scheme of the Adhaidvipa - world of the mortals - is 'superimposed on the human body in an attempt to homologize the microcosm with the microcosm (Pal, 1994, pp 231). The human body symbolism is sub- divided into the adhaloka (lower world), madhyaloka (middle world), and, urdhvaloka (upper world) each of which is represented differently.
The depiction overall is thus acts as cosmic representation - both a picture for the worship of the mandala of the world of the mortals and the enormous body form of Lord Mahavira ? the twenty forth Jina, which also embodies the three worlds.
Reference: Nanda, Vivek, and Alexander Johnson. Cosmology to Cartography a Cultural Journey of Indian Maps from the Collections of Kalakriti Archives, Hyderabad and National Museum. New Delhi: National Museum, 2015.
Artist Name
Unknown Artist, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Width
650 mm
Width Range
610 mm - 24 inches to 1220 mm - 48 inches
Height
1320 mm
Height Range
1220 mm - 48 inches to 1830 mm - 72 inches
Specifications
This is a high-quality fine art reproduction of original rare vintage map, printed on enhanced matte archival paper with archival inks.
The frames used are high quality synthetic wood box frames or Aluminium frames. The print is protected with either 2.00 mm float glass or acrylic sheet as selected. To make it sturdy, a special board is used for the rear panel and hangers are included on the rear panel.
Provenance
From the Prshant Lahoti Collection, part of Kalakriti Archives, Hyderabad. A private archive comprising of collection of historical maps, photographs, and popular prints of Indian Sub-continent.
Framing
With Framing
Year
Late 19th Century
