A Brahman, with forehead marks signifying devotion to Vishnu, holding a book, Southern Deccan, Mysore, circa 1820-30

brush and ink with watercolour heightened with gold on paper, laid down on paper, inscribed below in kannada script

Alister Mathews (1907-85), Bournemouth
Acquired in 1964 

London 1983-1, pp.179-179, no.290

In good overall condition, 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."

It is interesting to note the European-style marbled paper binding of the book in the present work. A similar one can be seen in a Company School portrait (see Poster 1994, p.296, no.245), where its presence in the hand of a European gentleman is not unexpected. The present example shows that European-style book bindings were used widely outside the expatriate community itself.