- 249
Worship of Shrinathji
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
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Description
- Worship of Shrinathji
Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper
- image 11 1/8 by 8 3/4 in. (28.6 by 22.2 cm.)
- folio 12 1/16 by 9 7/8 in. (30.8 by 25.1 cm.)
The present and following lots depict the worship of Shrinathji in his shrine. Shrinathji represents the form of the young Krishna who lifted mount Govardhana and protected the residents of Gokula from the torrential downpour released upon them by Indra, king of the heavens.
The deity has been the central figure of worship in Nathdwara, a settlement close to the fort of Kota in Rajasthan, since 1670. The cult of Shrinathji prescribes his worship as a living presence. Each day he is dressed, fed, adorned with garlands and worshipped according to a strict secular code controlled by the temple priests and followed unfailingly by his devotees.
In addition to the adoration of the idol, the Goswamis or priests of the temple also initiated and nurtured the tradition of painting by introducing chitra-seva, the worship of a painted icon, thereby spawning the creation of numerous images of the deity in his various forms, painted on cloth and in miniature format such as the present lot.
Here Shrinathji is clad in golden yellow garments and is flanked by worshippers and adorants. Compare the image with another representation of the deity illustrated in Amit Ambalal, Krishna as Shrinathji, New York and Ahmedabad, 1987, p. 47. The worship of Shrinathji in this form was said to have been initiated by Vitthalnathji, one of the most famous priests of Nathdwara in the 16th century, to commemorate his own birthday, ibid.
The deity has been the central figure of worship in Nathdwara, a settlement close to the fort of Kota in Rajasthan, since 1670. The cult of Shrinathji prescribes his worship as a living presence. Each day he is dressed, fed, adorned with garlands and worshipped according to a strict secular code controlled by the temple priests and followed unfailingly by his devotees.
In addition to the adoration of the idol, the Goswamis or priests of the temple also initiated and nurtured the tradition of painting by introducing chitra-seva, the worship of a painted icon, thereby spawning the creation of numerous images of the deity in his various forms, painted on cloth and in miniature format such as the present lot.
Here Shrinathji is clad in golden yellow garments and is flanked by worshippers and adorants. Compare the image with another representation of the deity illustrated in Amit Ambalal, Krishna as Shrinathji, New York and Ahmedabad, 1987, p. 47. The worship of Shrinathji in this form was said to have been initiated by Vitthalnathji, one of the most famous priests of Nathdwara in the 16th century, to commemorate his own birthday, ibid.
Condition
Horizontal creases across center of painting minor abrasions and staining to paper surface throughout especially in blue of sky and orange of shrine interior. Paint losses to silver paint surrounding entrance to shrine and to yellow border of painting. Fair overall condition. Colors of original brighter than catalogue illustration.
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.
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.