EIGHTEEN INDIAN PAINTINGS ON MICA OF BIRDS, DEITIES AND VILLAGERS
Possibly Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal, India, late 19th century

Opaque pigments on mica, all mounted on black cardboard, glazed and framed, comprising six panels with different birds autochthonous to the Indian Subcontinent, each one depicted in its natural habitat, 48cm x 52.5cm including the frame; eight panels with several Hindu deities, some with a handwritten caption in sepia ink, others plain, including Durga Mahisasuramardini; Shiva shooting an arrow to the sun; Ganesha; Parvati hugging a linga; Hanuman; Shiva in a state of Nirvana; and others, 55cm x 70cm including the frame; and four panels with characteristic Indian villagers, each one accompanied by a handwritten caption in sepia ink, including A Mahomedan Fakir's wife; A Mahomedan Fakir; A Woman carrying a Joddy Pot; and A Joddy drawer, 48cm x 35.5cm including the frame.