Skip to main content

Queen Trishala on Her Bed

1432
Artist/maker unknown, Indian
Queen Trishala is shown reclining on her bed on the night of her conception of Mahavira, the last of the twenty-four Jain saviors of this world-cycle. The text on this page gives a luscious description of her chamber: heaps of flowers and burning herbs transform the room into a veritable pot of scented incense; pillows at head and foot make the center of her bed feel like the soft sand on the banks of the Ganges river; linen, towel, and curtains are so fine that to touch them is like stroking fur, cotton, or butter. Visually this sumptuousness is indicated by elaborately patterned textiles, a plethora of pearls, and a richly ornamented bed. On this bed the queen sleeps and dreams the Fourteen Auspicious Dreams, although the conventions of painting dictate that she be depicted with open eyes.

Object Details

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.