THREE DRAWINGS, RAJASTHAN, 18TH-19TH CENTURIES

Ink with use of colours on paper

A. In fairly good condition, frayed edges, creasing along the left edges, as viewed. B. In good condition, laid down on paper, minor spots of paint on centre right, as viewed. C. In fair condition, laid down on paper, staining throughout, 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 three items in this lot are as follows:

A: A prince, probably Ram Singh of Kotah, with an Arab, Kotah, circa 1830-1840. This is a very unusual image and may record an actual event, since meetings between Ram Singh and Arab visitors cannot have been frequent. The fact that Ram Singh is holding a piece of jewellery indicates that the Arab may perhaps be a pearl trader, bringing the finest pearls from the Persian Gulf to clients and jewellers in India. A closely related drawing, formerly in the Pan Asian collection, was sold in these rooms, 20th June 1983, lot 116. The verso of the present work bears a small study of a Mughal prince, and a green fragment of a European print.
B: A seated woman, Nathdwara, circa 1840
C: A holy man holding a string of prayer beads, Rajasthan, circa 1850