Leaf from a Kalpa Sutra (Jain Book of Rituals) 15th century

This 15th-century leaf from a Kalpa Sutra, a Jain book of rituals, was painted by Bhadrabahu and is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The text is written in black ink on a beige background, and the illustrations depict scenes from Jain mythology. A decorative border surrounds the page, and the colors blue, gold, and red are prominent in the imagery. These colors are also incorporated into the miniature illustrations that are located on the right side of the page. The Jain religion stresses non-violence and asceticism, themes that are likely depicted in the illustrated scenes.