An Illustrated and Illuminated Leaf from the Dvadasa Bhava ('Twelve Existences'), India, Mughal, Allahabad, 1600-05

Ink and gouache heightened with gold on paper, 4 lines of text written in Nasta'liq script in black ink in two columns, double intercolumnar rules in gold, margins ruled in orange, blue and gold, the reverse with 15 lines of text, 3 words highlighted in red

Sotheby's London, July 11, 1972, part of lot 45

In generally good overall condition, a few mild creases, leaf edges with some losses and wormholes, reverse with some abrasions to paper, 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The manuscript from which this illustrated leaf originates is the only existing copy of the Persian translation of a lost Sanskrit work entitled the Dvadasa Bhava, the narrative of which is based on the Jain hero Vikramanka, a Gupta emperor of the fourth-fifth centuries. This copy of the Persian translation is thought to have been commissioned by Prince Salim (before he became Emperor Jahangir) between 1600 and 1605 when he established a separate court at Allahabad.

The paintings themselves can be compared with two other works from the same period - a Diwan of Hasan Dihlavi (1602) in the Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore, and a Raj Kunwar (1603-4) housed in the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin. The thirteen original illustrations of this manuscript were executed by three different artists, and the artist of the leaf to hand (artist 'A') was also responsible for the illustration on the leaf published in Indian Miniature Painting From the Collection of Edwin Binney, 3rd, Portland Art Museum, Portland, 1973, p.71, no.44.

Thirteen leaves from the original manuscript (including the present page) were sold in these rooms July 11, 1972, lot 45.