Thirty ragamala paintings on mica in a lacquer box, India, Murshidabad, circa 1780

gouache heightened with gold on mica, 30 oval paintings, each bearing a set of faceless figures, the interior of the box painted grey with 4 faces, in a black lacquered oval box decorated with a floral spray in gold

The box contained a note written in an early nineteenth-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."

In generally good condition, some mica leaves damaged and with losses, some smudges to the painting, please contact the department to obtain individual images of each mica leaf to assess condition, the box with minor chips and a loss on the rim, 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."

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 much 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.