Leaf from manuscript of the Kalakacary Katha, Kalaka hears Gunakava Preach/Kalaka on his Horse

Artist/Culture Western Indian

Artist/Culture Jain (15-16th century)

Date1500-1600

MediumWatercolor on paper

Dimensions11 x 23.5 cm (4 5/16 x 9 1/4 in.)

ClassificationsNon-Western Miniatures

Credit LineGift of Alexander H. Bullock

Terms

Object number1952.10

Label TextThese two successive leaves are from a manuscript of the most popular version of the Kalakacaryakatha or Story of the Teacher Kalaka (a non-canonical Jain text). The paintings are good examples of the Western Indian school, a conservative style whose main features were developed by the end of the thirteenth century: gold figures against a brick red ground with the lavish addition of ultramarine: thin, wiry lines and a vigorous, meticulous gestures which give each figure a pert, eager look: the protruding eye, and an almost total absence of natural landscape. Western Indian painting is, in general, a formal art with a highly decorative quality. There are only rare attempts at portraiture,; as seen here, figures are drawn from idealized types. In the upper register of this leaf, Kalaka sits under a tree, with hands folded in reverence, listening to his master Gunakara preach. Between them is a stand symbolically representing Gunakara’s absent teacher. In the lower register, Kalaka on his horse is accompanied by an attendant with shield and sword. Kalaka, now in monk’s robes, stands before King Gardabhilla protesting the abductio0n of his sister, Sarasvati. The bearded king, in black print trousers, sits on a footed throne under a parasol. Overhead are decorative niches. ProvenanceAlexander H. Bullock, Worcester MA

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