L12220

/

Lot 488
  • 488

An Illustrated page from a Ragamala series, Bilaval Ragini of Raga Hindol, Popular Mughal, India, early 17th century

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Gouache heightened with gold on paper, gold and blue margin rules, inscription in nagari script above, reverse with the
Gouache heightened with gold on paper, gold and blue margin rules, inscription in nagari script above, reverse with the subject identified in Persian and Hindi

Condition

In general good condition, some areas of rubbing and loss of paint to central image, notably by the woman's head and along the edges, light crease from bottom edge, the external edges with loses of paper and some water stain and moulding to lower right-hand corner, not affecting the central image, 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."

Catalogue Note

inscriptions

The text above the miniature translates as: "Having granted her lover the favour of a rendezvous, arranging jewellery on her slender body, continually remembering her chosen deity – the god of love – she is Vilavali, whose face is like the blue lotus"

This illustration is from a series closely related in style to a group of early Ragamalas executed in the first two decades of the seventeenth century. The earliest is dated 1605 (several leaves including the colophon are in the Museum für Indische Kunst, Berlin), while the Laud Ragamala in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, and the Manley Ragamala in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, are the other principle examples.