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This stone figure represents Parsvanatha, the most readily identifiable of the Jain ‘Jinas’ (saviour-teachers). According to both the sects of Jainism his complexion was dark blue and the snake was his distinguishing mark. Here the serpent-king Dharana protects him with the coils of his body and shelters him with his multi-headed hood.
Parsvanatha is shown standing in the ‘kayotsarga’ posture. Long periods of immobility, with the arms hanging freely from the body, represent one form of penance undertaken on the path to liberation. The proportions of the figure follow the traditional depiction. The shoulders are broad and the chest is slightly expanded, representing an inner breath. The waist is slim and athletic, with muscular details on the abdomen. Here Parsvanatha is represented as a naked figure and therefore a member of the Digambara ('sky-clad' Jain sect).
This Parsvanatha image was transferred in 1880 from the India Museum of the former East India Company to the V&A.
Physical description
The image of Parsvanatha is seen standing in the kayotsarga posture. Long periods of immobility, with the arms hanging freely from the body, represent one form of penance undertaken on the path to liberation.The proportion of the figure follow iconic convention: the shoulders are broad and the chest is slightly expanded, representing an inner breath. The waist is slim and athletic, with muscular details represented on the abdomen. Parsvanatha is here represented as a naked, Digambara image. Of all the Jinas, Parsvanatha is the most readily identifiable. According to both the sects of Jainism he was dark blue in complextion and had the snake as his distinguishing mark. In the sculpture the serpent king Dharana protects the Jina with the coils of his body and shelters him with his multi-headed hood. The attendant deities are not represented, nor the triple umbrellas or flywhisks, but curiously he is provided with a nine-hooded serpent.
Place of Origin
India (south, made)
Date
12th century (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Stone
Dimensions
Height: 155 cm, Width: 66 cm, Depth: 25 cm, Weight: 350 kg
Object history note
This Parsvanatha image was transferred from the India Museum of the former East India Company to the Victoria and Albert Museum
Descriptive line
Figure of Parsvanatha, stone, India, 12th century.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
John Guy, in P.Pal (ed.) The Peaceful Liberators, Jain Art from India 1994. p.166 Guy, John (ed.). ‘L’Escultura en els Temples Indis: L’Art de la Devocio’, Barcelona : Fundacio ‘La Caixa’, 2007. p.179, cat. 137 ISBN 9788476649466
Willis, M. (ed.). India: the Art of the Temple. Shanghai : Shanghai Museum, 2010. 254p, ill. ISBN 978-7-5479-0092-5. Cat. 3:6, pp. 224-5.
Text is in Chinese.
Exhibition History
India: The Art of the Temple, Shanghai Museum (04/08/2010-14/11/2010)
: L’escultura en els temples indis: l’art de la devocio (CaixaForum, Barcelona 27/07/2007-18/11/2007)
Materials
Stone
Subjects depicted
Figures; Jainism
Categories
Sculpture; Religion
Collection code
SSEA
