MALSRI RAGINI: A FOLIO FROM A RAGAMALA SERIES

Oscar Leneman Collection
Acquired 1981

Some minor stains to white architectural elements. Abrasions to pigment on extremities of red folio border. A few pinholes on red folio border. Otherwise in very good condition. Verso: Small stains with old waxy tape applied at edges. Black ink inscription. Conservation framed.
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.

A lady seated on a couch - distractedly spreading flower petals on a large green leaf laid before her as she waits for her beloved.  Within the gleaming white marble confines of the zenana, consoled by her kneeling sakhi (confidante) and two maidens.  A handmaiden waving a chowrie (flywhisk) looks away expectantly, perhaps hearing approaching footsteps.  An empty bed on an upper floor. Two musicians play below.

Ours is an exquisitely refined example of a ragamala series produced at Jaipur (Amber) in the mid Eighteenth Century.  According to Klaus Ebeling the iconography of Malasri is rare and was used exclusively in Jaipur during the Eighteenth Century.  

Inscribed on another, earlier Malwa ragamala painting of Malasri from the Seventeenth Century, a Devanagari couplet reads:

"Malasri and her maids... have the fragrance of lotus blossoms, 
and even in the daytime, 
they dream of their lovers and of nocturnal lovemaking." 

For related works, see K. Ebeling, Ragamala Painting, Basel, 1973, p. 261 and p. 38-9, cat. 261. Also see an illustration of Gurjari Ragini from the same series in A.L. Dallapiccola and E. Isacco, Ragamala, Paris, 1977, cat. 34.