Waterbased pigments with gold on wasli (layered handmade paper)
India, circa 1790
Dekkan School, presumably Hyderabad
With delicate incised gold ornamentation
Inscribed in Devanagari and Nastal'liq script
Dimensions: 32.7 x 23.1 cm
Provenance: from an Indian private collection
A fine late 18th century Dekkani miniature with gold decoration
Object is regular taxed. Differential taxation is not possible.

The miniature is presumably a folio from a ragamala series, possibly a version of a malkos raga – as the inscriptions on the top suggest – showing a nobleman seated on a terrace holding a small cup whilst being fanned by a maidservant holding a chauri (flywhisk). The two figures are depicted in a courtyard outside a stately manor. In the background two birds are flying in the pink sky. The image is framed by broad red borders with white and black ruled lines. The verso is inscribed in Nastal'liq script.



The miniature is in fair condition with visible wear. The colors and gold are well-preserved. It shows some paint losses to the subject area and borders as well as general stains and abrasions. A previous inscription seems to have been scratched out. The sheet measures 32.7 x 23.1 cm.



Dekkan School

The Dekkan School is a style of Indian miniature painting, which developed in the South of India in the 16th century. The style is composed of a number of local traditions from the Dekkan region, with some Islamic influences from Iran, Persia and Turkey. The artistry is on par with Mughal art. Dekkan miniatures show elaborate compositions with intense colors, giving an overall romantic impression.

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