Jain manuscript cover, 19th century

Jain manuscript cover depicting the fourteen auspicious dreams of Queen Trisala, Mahavira's mother, which heralded his birth
Western India
19th century
Painted wood
Museum no. IS.50-1983

From the earliest Jain illuminated manuscripts, the folios were encased in wooden covers that are often decorated with religious or historical themes. These book covers, such as this 19th-century example, continued to be made in later centuries.