cmWeight: 972 gramsThis elaborately designed Jain Hindu Shrine shows Buddha sitting on a cushion in the centre in lotus pose with his hands in his laps. He is protected by a round umbrella canopy. The shrine consists of different layers with various attendants, probably a selection of Tirthankaras, teachers and saviours of Jainism, in seated or standing position. In the centre of the lower part is a small array of offerings to the Buddha. A typical characteristic of Jain sculpture are the long limbs and arms reaching to the knees. There are also other creatures like two elephants at the top. Other Buddhist symbols can be found, for example the top is decorated with a pot-finial called kalasa. The whole shrine is decorated with incised geometrical patterns and ornaments in open work. The backside of the shrine is flat with Devanagari script. Some areas are highlighted with silver inlays.Provenance: Collection Sharpes, Strasbourg , acquired 07.02.2006 in New York , original invoice available