Jain Manuscript of the Kalpasutra and Kalakacarya: recto; text, verso; painting of Harinegamesi striding over Mountains carrying the Embryo 1501

CultureIndian

Date1501

MediumInk, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

DimensionsSheet (each): 4 3/16 x 13 3/16 inches (10.64 x 33.5 cm)

Credit LinePurchase: the Asian Art Acquisition Fund in memory of Laurence Sickman

Object number2011.73.17.A,B

InscribedThere are two colophons in the manuscript, folio 142v (dated VS 1558) and folio 159v (dated VS 1557).

On View

On view

Gallery Location

Collections

South and Southeast Asian Art

Terms

DescriptionThe manuscript consists of 155 loose folios with text and 97 painted illustrations on medium brown paper. The manuscript is horizontal in format with a central text block interwoven frequently with illustrations. The folios are written and illustrated on both recto and verso, with page numbers inserted in the lower right-hand corner of the verso folios (except for folio 1, which has a conservation backing for support). There are three full-page illustrations; the rest are vertical compositions set within the horizontal page. The illustrations are drawn in black ink and painted with gold and color, often red, white, pink and green, against a lapis blue background. The paintings are highly ornamental, with linear details to suggest textile patterns, landscape elements, and architecture.Exhibition History

Exhibition History

Sages and Heroes: Storytelling in Asian Art, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, April 12, 2025–November 30, 2025, no cat.

Published References

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and Kimberly Masteller, Masterworks from India and Southeast Asia: the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Kanas City, Missouri: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in association with University of Washington Press, 2016), 50-51, (repro.).

Published References

Made for monk Devakallola of the Upakesa gaccha, 1501;

With Nasli Heeramaneck, New York, 1960’s;

Private collection, 1967-2011;

With Carlton Rochell Asian Art, New York, by 2011;

Purchased from Carlton Rochell Asian Art by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 2011.

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