Lot 154
  • 154

The Jagannatha trinity seated in meditation (Ansara Pati), Orissa, circa 1800

Estimate
600 - 800 GBP
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Description

  • Opaque watercolour and lacquer on cloth
  • 14 x 34 1/4 inches
Opaque watercolour and lacquer on cloth, depicting Balabhadra as Balarama, Subhadra as Bhuhaneshvari and Jagannatha as Narayana

Literature

Rossi 1998, p. 74, no. 25

Condition

In fair condition, losses to the centre left, extremities and four corners, minor rubbing and wear marks causing slight paint loss, very light craquelure throughout, folding marks, 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."

Catalogue Note

Ansara pati which translates as a 'time of rest' was a pictorial substitute used when the wooden sculptures were removed from the temples for fifteen days for their annual period of restoration. This period of restoration or resting (ansara) followed a ritual bathing and a procession ratha yatra. According to Rossi this ansara pati  was probably made for a Jagannatha temple in the countryside surrounding the Puri temple. The act of painting of an ansara pati was a great honour and a priveledge for the Puri, artist who would have performed rituals of purification before he commenced his work. The painting of the deities' eyes marked the completion of the painting and signified the deity embodying the image.