FIVE ILLUSTRATED FOLIOS FROM THE BHAGAVATA PURANA

Excellent overall condition. One of the paintings-Krishna at the center of a river bank surrounded by ladies- has some distress and wear to the grey blue pigment in the water on lower ground. All five paintings are exhibited in temporary frames.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Five paintings from a series depicting various episodes from the Bhagavata Purana, mainly from Book 10 which recounts the birth and early exploits of Krishna, the cowherd God and ninth avatar of Vishnu. The illustrations as follows:

Krishna playing his flute in a forest clearing.  The gopis leaving their homes to join him entranced by the sound of his music.

A nimbated Krishna standing on a green hillside, with groups of admiring gopis, next to the River Jamuna.

Krishna seated on a marble terrace speaking to his beloved, amid a crowd of maidens.

The Churning of the Milky Ocean - Krishna and the Devas struggle with the demonic Asuras in a celestial tug of war.  The serpent Vasuki coiled around Mount Meru at the axis of the world, pulled by the adversaries - churning the Ocean of Milk to obtain Amrita, the elixir of immortality. The tortoise Kurma, avatar of Vishnu, anchors the base of the mountain as a pivot with Vishnu himself seated at its summit. 

Episodes from the life of the youthful Krishna in Brindaban: Vasudeva rescues the infant Krishna crossing the River Jamuna, the Rasa Lila, Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan and Krishna and the cowherds in Brindaban. Ruled gold and black lines divide sections depicting the episodes.