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A portrait of Takoji Holkar smoking a huqqa under a canopy, Delhi, early 19th century
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
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Description
gouache with gold on paper, inscription of identification in nast'aliq at upper centre 'Takoji Howalkar Subedar', mounted on an album page with borders of stout cream paper decorated with gold flowers, reverse with an inscription in an English hand in brown ink (probably William Fraser's hand) 'Tukojee Holker'
Provenance
In the Collection of William (1784-1835) and James Fraser (1783-1856)
By direct descent to Malcolm R. Fraser Esq
By direct descent to Malcolm R. Fraser Esq
Literature
Sotheby's London, 14 October 1980, lot 179
Condition
In good 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."
"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
The Holkars were a ruling Mahratta clan from the Malwa region of Central India, and one of the pentarchy of Mahratta clans during their dominant period in the 18th century. Takoji was an adopted son of Malhar Rao Holkar and ruled briefly from 1795 to 1797, having acted for many years as military commander under Aliyabhai Holkar (r.1767-95). Although the Holkar homeland was a considerable distance south of Delhi, prominent members of the Holkar clan were resident at Delhi at this period and James Fraser records an evening during late August 1815 spent at a nautch of "Bawani Shunkar's, the old Bukhshee of Holkar, a fine and very gentlemanly old man" (James Fraser diary entry, see Archer and Falk 1989, p.37). This was a period of active commissioning and acquisition of paintings by the Fraser brothers, and it is possible that this portrait was acquired from the Holkar officer himself.