Page 160 - Himalayan Art Macrh 19 2018 Bonhams

3072
A COPPER ALLOY SHRINE TO MAHAVIRA The shrine contains a total of five jinas. The two standing either side
WESTERN INDIA, DATED 1074 CE of Mahavira wear lower garments indicating the bronze was made
The reverse with a dedicatory inscription dated Vikram Samvat 1131. for followers of the Svetambara sect, unlike the very closely related
4 3/8 in. (11.6 cm) high Digambara example previously in the sale (lot 3071). Within Northern
and Western India, the Svetembaras were predominately located in
Gujarat and Western Rajasthan, pointing to this area of origin for the
$10,000 - 15,000
bronze, or at least its patron.

As discussed by Lalit Kumar, the small lion nestled below the Exhibited
center of the throne identifies the shrine’s principal subject as the Steps to Liberation: 2,500 Years of Jain Art and Religion, Ethnographic
Jain religion’s founder, Mahavira, born in Northeastern India in 600 Museum, Antwerp, 26 May - 15 October 2000.
BCE. Supporting the outer edges of his throne, he is joined by the
squatting yaksha Matanga and the popular protector goddess Ambika, Published
with child. Jan van Alphen (ed.), Steps to Liberation: 2,500 Years of Jain Art and
Religion, Antwerp, 2000, p.154, no.79.

Provenance
Marcel Nies Oriental Art, Antwerp, by 2000
Private Dutch Collection

158 | BONHAMS