Description
Antique Indian Miniature Painting of Krishna: 18th century
Krishna on Nari Ashva (composed of female attendants as a horse), before a naturalistic landscape, gouache, undated.
Watercolour, gouache and graphite on medium slightly textured cream laid paper. The colours are made from natural materials vegetable dye and stones traditional in old Indian paintings.
The Kandarpa Ashwa or Nari Ashva (or woman-horse) is a stunning and rare painting from India. The inspiration for the image of Nari Ashva comes from the book Rasa Panchaka by Divakara Das of Orissa. the Gopis are making a vehicle of love (the horse) and inviting their Lord Krishna to ride on it.
The Kandarpa theme is essentially the love theme, sometimes with erotic overtones, of Pattachitra depicting various imageries from Raas Leela. This theme involves the Gopis (consorts) whose bodies are arranged in such a manner as to create the impression of a supportive horse transporting their Lord while Krishna rides joyfully holding his flute.
Paint losses throughout. Small pin holes are visible when held to a light. Small nicks, tears and losses throughout the border. The reverse shows small paper patch repairs.
Size 21 x 15 cm
Most objects sold in our gallery are antiques, vintage or used, therefore they will show signs of being antique, vintage or used. There may be signs of scratches, discolouration, chips, cracks wear, tear etc.
Buyers are responsible for all import duties, taxes, or fees.
