Ancient Artifacts & Antiquities, May
Lot 415:
Mughal Period Gouache w/ Gold Detailing - Early 16th century to the Mid-19th Century
Mughal Period Gouache w/ Gold Detailing – Early 16th century to the Mid-19th Century. A very similar painting to this one can be at the Detroit Institute of Arts. The painting they have is dated circa 1700. Material used for painting this piece appears to be thick paper or a board like paper hand painted to look like wood. There is writing on the back which likely is the painters information and may give the date when it was made. We don’t read Arabic but took good pictures for those that can. Removed from its original professional framing and put back as best we could. This is a piece from the Chuck and Eileen Hoffman collection. While teaching in India Chuck gathered several older artistic pieces from the cultures past and present of the area. The frame measures 13 3/4" by 11 3/8". The painting measures 9 1/4" by 6 3/4" approximately plus any boarders that are not visible from the framing. We couldn’t figure out the meaning of this painting (neither did the Detroit Institute of Arts on the one they have) The writing at the top of the page roughly translates to "Raag Malhar. Soma, sweet and desi ears are filled with moon and lotus. I am not able to sing this raga again because it is similar to that of a Kopin. Please sing Malhar" Raag Malhar is a Hindustani classical raga associated with the monsoon season. It is said to have the power to evoke rainfall when sung with mastery and devotion. This raga has a rich history and is linked to legendary musicians like Tansen, who was believed to have performed it to bring rain during Emperor Akbar’s reign. Painting has some patination, minor rubbings as shown in photos on the surface with minor crackling under magnification.
Condition: Authentic
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