Lot 312
  • 312

Vardhan Ragaputra of Hindola Raga, a warrior bids farewell to a lady, an illustration to a Ragamala series, Pahari, Chamba, circa 1690-1700

Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • ink and watercolour on paper
gouache on stout paper, black rules and wide red border

Condition

Painted area in generally good condition, colours bright, slight paint loss and scratches. Borders with slight rubbing, slight paint loss in rules. Slight writing and marks on back. As viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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Catalogue Note

This is an illustration to a well-known Ragamala series produced in the last decade of the seventeenth century. Although attributed on occasions in past decades to Basohli, Bilaspur and Mankot, it is now firmly attributed to Chamba. Other illustrations in the series are published as follows: C. Glynn, S. Skelton, and A. Dallapiccola, Ragamala Paintings from India, London, 2011, no.2, pp.42-43; B. Goswamy, Painted Visions, The Goenka Collection of Indian Paintings, New Delhi, 1999, no.165, pp.218-219; P. Pal, S. Markel, and J. Leoskho, Pleasure Gardens of the Mind, Los Angeles, 1993, p.112, pl.38; Salar Jang Museum, Bi Annual Research Journals, vols.XV,XVI, Hyderabad, 1981-82, fig.11; E and R. Waldschmidt, Miniatures of Musical Inspiration, Part II, Ragamala, Pictures from Northern India and the Deccan, Berlin, 1975, pp.495-497, figs.147-148; V. Ohri (ed.), Arts of Himachal, Simla, 1975, pp.176-177, nos.54-56; K. Ebeling, Ragamala Painting, Basel, Paris, New Delhi, 1973, p.273, no.303; P. Chandra, Indian Miniature Painting: The Collection of Earnest C. and Jane Werner Watson, Madison, Wis., 1971, no.230, p.136. Others have been sold at auction in these rooms 22 May 1986, lot 106 and at Christie’s New York, lot 437.

Although it might look as if the warrior here is arriving at the lady's abode and greeting her, he is in fact leaving and bidding her farewell. In the Pahari tradition of Ragamala illustrations the iconography of Vardhan Raga Putra of Raga Hindol is that of a warrior leaving his lady's abode with a horse and groom nearbyFor a related image and explanation see Ebeling, op.cit., p.277, no.314.