A GROUP OF FIVE ILLUSTRATIONS FROM THE RAMAYANA, INDIA, MANDI, CIRCA 1770 |

opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper

Sotheby's New York, 19 March 2008, lot 204. 
Ex-private collection, Germany.
Acquired from the Royal Library of Mandi in 1969.

The colour bright as illustrated in the catalogue, minor holes mainly on the borders, minor smudges and stains, one painting cropped and one affected by a big stain on the lower corner, we would advice to request images of each painting or inspect them in person to assest their 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."

The present group contains illustrations of various stories from the epic Ramayana. Pictured here is the story relating Rama's pursuit of the demon Maricha who entices Sita in his guise as a golden deer, which leads Rama to pursue him. Also included are illustrations featuring Parashurama's encounter with Rama; Rama and Lakshmana visiting the hermitage of sage Bharadwaj on the banks of the Ganges and Rama subduing the ogress Taraka.

For more illustrations from the same series, see Sotheby's New York, 29 March 2006, lot 159.