AN ILLUSTRATION FROM AN ASHTA NAYIKA SERIES: VASAKASAJJA NAYIKA
PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE AMERICAN COLLECTION
Kangra, Pahari Hills, Northern India, ca. 1820 - 1830

Opaque pigments, silver and gold on paper, the horizontal composition depicting an interior scene with a storm approaching on the horizon, the nayika (female heroine) portrayed seated in a pensive state, nervously rubbing or tapping her forehead, clad in a lavish gold and silver saree, her attendant puzzled and thinking how to ease her lady's worries, the overall mood associated with illustrations of Vasakasajja nayikas, female heroines dressed up in all their ornaments staying at home ready to receive their lovers, also referred to as "readily dressed up for union”, the rest of the composition occupied by typical white and pink architectural setting of Kangra paintings, set within black, white and gold rules, and black and bright red borders with golden rosette sprays, pasted onto a later grey card, 30cm x 36cm.

Provenance: Private Swiss Collection.