Indian Stone Temple Fragment

Grey-maned beast sticks out a pink tongue while a spotted creature clings below its chin.

This temple fragment is Jain, from Kutch District, Gujarat, India, and dates to the 19th century. It is carved & painted stone. Another kind of Jain cosmological painting shows historical figures and their attributes, such as Jina Parshva, the earliest Jain leader with historical evidence, who is meant to illustrate compassion. Frontal creature with a pale grey mane, amber face and wide painted eyes, tongue lolling over a small spotted figure on its chest. The chipped paint sits on a lilac base. Several flakes are missing around the nose. It is 5 inches wide, 15 deep and 25 high.

Cheerfully rude, and painted that way on purpose.