Jain Pacchisi Painting (25 Tirthankaras) – Extremley Rare

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This striking and unusually rare Jain painting represents a Pacchisi—a grid-based devotional depiction of 25 Jain Tirthankaras (liberated spiritual teachers). While Chaubisi (24 Tirthankaras) is standard in Jain iconography, this Pacchisi format with 25 figures is exceptional and symbolic, possibly commissioned for a personal or sect-specific ritual purpose.

The painting uses vibrant natural pigments—red, ochre, green, lapis blue—and a highly symmetrical grid structure enclosed within decorative borders. Each Tirthankara is seated in meditative posture (padmasana), with distinguishing features such as color variation, symbol, and expression subtly depicted. The central or topmost figure likely represents Rishabhanatha or Mahavira, elevated to signify reverence.

Painted on cloth or paper mounted on board, and framed under glass, this piece was likely used in a home shrine or Jain temple, serving as a visual tool for daily meditation or ritual devotion.

📏 Dimensions:

• Height: 18 inches (including frame)

• Width: 13 inches (including frame)

• Medium: Natural pigments on paper or cloth (exact base unconfirmed)

🔍 Key Features:

• Subject: 25 Jain Tirthankaras (Pacchisi format – rare)

• Medium: Natural pigment on cloth or handmade paper

• Style: Western Indian/Jain Manuscript Tradition with miniature-style detailing

• Estimated Age: 125 years

• Format: Framed under protective glass with patterned border frame

• Color Palette: Green background with figures in red, white, ochre, and blue robes

📋 Condition Report:

• Overall: Very good antique condition for age

• Surface: Slight age-related wear near the borders; mild warping of paper inside frame; upper border appears faded or has water damage

• Paint Layer: Color retention is excellent with no flaking

• Frame: Original frame with minor scratches and wear; glass intact

• Restoration: No modern touch-up visible; appears untouched

✅ Original and complete – minor age marks consistent with traditional devotional use