India - Jain Yellow copper alloy, probably brass / yellow bronze. Jain Chaubisi altar to the twenty-four Tirthankaras. - 30.8 cm

This finely crafted Jain altar, measuring 30.8 cm, is fashioned from a yellow copper alloy, likely brass or yellow bronze, traditional materials in Indian metalwork. The altar represents the Jain Chaubisi, dedicated to the twenty-four Tirthankaras—spiritual teachers who have attained liberation and enlightenment in Jainism. Each Tirthankara is revered for having achieved perfect knowledge and serves as a guide to followers of this ancient religion. The use of brass or yellow bronze not only affords durability but also provides a warm, lustrous finish that enhances the prominence of religious iconography. Jain altars like this are used in temples and homes for worship and meditation, reflecting a rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The intricate metalworking required to depict the Tirthankaras signifies skilled artisanship and the importance of visual symbolism in facilitating devotional practices within Jain communities.