For a change, here is a stone Vigraha. It is the serenity, simplicity, smooth finish and clean lines combined with a powerful presence that got my attention.
This is a sky-clad (Digambhara) sect Thirthankara is sitting in Ardhapadmasana with his hands in yoga mudra.
The long earlobes, the Usnisha (if I can use the term in this context), the mark on his right palm and the Srivatsa mark on his chest identify him as a divine figure.
The long ear lobes are considered one of the Lakshans. The bump on the cranium indicates that he has surpassed the bounds of ordinary human beings. Though you see quite a few Thirthankaras with curled hair, the absence of hair here should not be a surprise. The Jain monks remove their body hair by plucking them. The absence of cognizance precludes the identification of the Thirthankara.
This is made of black stone, going by the worn parts on the bottom. Quite possibly the black colour is enhanced as well.
This Thirthankara is from Western India, possibly Rajasthan. The cranial bump is common in the Thirthankara sculptures from Central and Western India since the 5-6th century CE. Surprisingly cranial bumps are less common in Thirthankara sculptures from South India.
We know the stone is old but I do not have any estimate on the age of this sculpture. It is about 21 cm in height.


