A BRONZER AND SILVER JAIN ALTAR, India, Gujarat, 16th century

h cm 15

In the lotus position, on an altar supported by two mythological animals, stands one of the 24 masters of Jainism (tirthankara). At his side, there are four other tirthankaras, two seated and two standing. The figures are pierced in metal to enhance their three-dimensionality and enriched with the insertion of precious silver foils. On the back, ritual formulas and the year when the altar was offered to the temple are engraved.