Thirty Ragamala Paintings on Mica in a Lacquer Box, Murshidabad, India, circa 1780

The box contained a note written in an early 19th century hand: Indian Talc figures probably brought to England in 1780 by Mrs Scott (Penelope Henchman), wife of Capt.Scott R.N. Daughter of the Henchman of Wilby and Granddaughter of the rev. Joseph Henchman of Phelgagers Burton, who is mentioned in Bloomfields Norfolk."

This is a fine and rare set of mica paintings depicting a Ragamala series.  The Ragamala is a group of works inspired by a genre of poetry that assigned a specific form, mood and ambience to various musical modes.  These modes were visually interpreted, and generally depict romantic or religious scenes.

The Ragamalas of Murshidabad owe a lot to the naturalistic, European influenced Mughal style. Features such as shading, the use of perspective and style of drapery are all visible here, and point to the court style as opposed to the folk or "bazaar" style used for less costly sets.