Skip to main content
Collections Menu
SAM'S collection
Twelve tirthankaras
Twelve tirthankaras

Twelve tirthankaras

Date12th century
Label TextThis Jain relief panel depicts 12 tirthankaras who are virtually identical except for their poses. A tirthankara-"He who has made the ford''-is a teacher who has transcended the human condition and achieved enlightenment. They are worshipped as beings that have attained salvation and inspire those on a similar quest. In this example, each tirthankara is in their own niche within the architectural framework of the panel. Three are seated in a yogic position, while the rest are standing in the characteristic kayotsarga or "body abandoning'' pose. Their nudity and the fact that they are virtually identical to each other reinforce the concept of their spiritual purity and perfection. It also refers to their shared search for salvation.
Object number48.142
Exhibition HistoryLos Angeles, California, Los Angeles County Museum, "Art Of Greater India" (1950)
Credit LineEugene Fuller Memorial Collection
Dimensions28 x 11 3/4 x 5 1/4 in. (71.12 x 29.85 x 13.34 cm)
MediumMarble
Rishabhanatha, the first Jina, and other tirthankaras
Indian
first half of the 10th century
Object number: 50.58
Dancing female musicians
Indian
ca. mid 12th century
Object number: 54.179
Italian (Genoa)
1190-1210
Object number: 49.35
Acroterium From Left Corner on Temple Pediment
Roman
3rd-2nd century
Object number: 69.95
Pedimental Relief:  Bear and Dogs
Roman
3rd century?
Object number: 44.87
Photo: Paul Macapia
Roman
3rd - 4th century
Object number: 40.181.1
Mosaic from the House of Menander with figure
Roman
3rd century - 4th century
Object number: 40.181.2
Caryatid (female-shaped architectural support)
Roman
1st century
Object number: 40.91
Relief:  Maenad and Young Faun
2nd century B.C.-1st century B.C.
Object number: 57.55
Sculptured capital
French
mid - late 12th century
Object number: 49.125
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Persian
15th century
Object number: 39.61
Stone fragment with twelve buddhas
Chinese
6th - early 7th century
Object number: 95.76