A MAIDEN HOLDING A GOLDEN FLASK AND CUP ATTRIBUTABLE TO RUKNUDDIN

Collection of The Maharaja of Bikaner
Acquired circa 1987

Some surface abrasions and some losses to the verdigris ground. Figure in very good condition. Border edge reinforcement. Verso: Edge reinforcement. Stamped with marks of the royal collection of the Maharaja of Bikaner with purple stamped inventory seal indicating inventoried in 1963 / number 4126. With the signature of royal librarian Khet Singh. Conservation framed.
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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.

A beautiful maiden stands on a tiny grass-tufted hillock, against a verdigris ground, holding a jeweled flask with matching cup - a diaphanous dupatta over her mauve payjama and sheer choli.  Her exquisite golden pearl and emerald feathered cap and fine jewels indicate her royal bearing.  The details of her cap reveal a remarkable - almost microscopic - complexity in its individual jewels and gold decoration.

Likely attributable to the Mughal-trained artist Ruknuddin (active 1650-97) who was active in the royal workshop of Maharaja Anup Singh (r. 1669-98) of Bikaner during whose reign our painting was almost certainly executed.  He was one of the eminent names to have emerged from that atelier and his specialty seems to have been exquisitely rendered court ladies like our present example.  The very high quality of our present portrait suggests the hand of the master of that studio Ruknuddin.  Perhaps more than any other Rajasthani school Bikaner was at the intersecting point of Rajasthani, Mughal and Deccani painting traditions - our own painting revealing the influences of all three.