Head of Jina

Description

Created for the Jain cult, this beautiful head was in all likelihood that of a Jina – or Tīrthaṅkara: an omniscient being who have broken free from the cycle of reincarnation. The strong geometry and stylization characteristic of Jain stone sculptures are here softened by a great care given to the carving of the outlines of the mouth, nose and eyes, and because of the pretty waving of the eyebrows.

Provenance: Private Collection, Paris, acquired from the Galerie Philippe Dodier, Avranches, France.