Symbols of the Chakravartin: Folio from a Digambara Manuscript, Possibly the Shalibhadra

Symbols of the Chakravartin: Folio from a Digambara Manuscript, Possibly the Shalibhadra

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Jina's are routinely eulogized in terms of kingship and are assigned the regalia and symbolic attributes of a "universal ruler," or chakravartin. Here, the symbols of divine kingship—the elephant, horse, umbrella, weapons, conch, and fire altar—are interspersed with five seated figures in a grid pattern.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Symbols of the Chakravartin: Folio from a Digambara Manuscript, Possibly the ShalibhadraSymbols of the Chakravartin: Folio from a Digambara Manuscript, Possibly the ShalibhadraSymbols of the Chakravartin: Folio from a Digambara Manuscript, Possibly the ShalibhadraSymbols of the Chakravartin: Folio from a Digambara Manuscript, Possibly the ShalibhadraSymbols of the Chakravartin: Folio from a Digambara Manuscript, Possibly the Shalibhadra

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.