A FAMILY OF BHILS IN A LANDSCAPE, INDIA, DECCAN, EARLY 18TH CENTURY |

ink and gouache heightened with gold on paper, inscribed in Persian at centre tasvir majlis bhilan kar hindustan ('a picture of a gathering of bhils of Hindustan'), mounted on an album page with gold-decorated borders

Ex-private collection, London, 1960s.

In good condition, minor stains, some rubbing and minor splits to the border, as viewed.
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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."

This charming drawing of a family of Bhils in a landscape is unusual for the use of a strong green pigment on the skirts of the figures that stands out strongly against the background. The composition is dominated by a large flowering bush identifiable as a tamarisk. The artist has combined tribal and courtly themes, with traditional Bhil activities such as hunting juxtaposed with more refined elements such as elegant ceramic wine bottles and cups, bowls of fruit, and a daybed upon which reclines a female Bhil feeding her child.