Lot 55A
Central Asia India/Persia, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. Three Indo-Persian miniature paintings, finely delineated with gouache and/or watercolor on camel bone, including two pendant scenes of a royal couple dancing and romancing on the grounds of an opulent palace and one presenting a Mughal polo player on horseback surrounded by an intricately painted decorative/floral border. All three paintings are mounted behind glass in attractive frames. Size (images of couples): 3.5" L x 1.875" W (8.9 cm x 4.8 cm) Size (frame for images of couples): 14.625" L x 12.625" W (37.1 cm x 32.1 cm)
Miniature painting emerged in Persian art during the 13th century. Following the Mongol conquests, the genre displayed strong Chinese influence, and the tradition reached its peak during the 15th and 16th centuries. Furthermore, Persian miniature painting influenced other Islamic miniature traditions, including the Ottoman miniature created in Turkey as well as the Mughal miniature of India. Interestingly, Persian art, although under the influence of Islam, never completely forbade the inclusion of the human figure. Furthermore, the depiction of figures - oftentimes in groups - is a common practice in the miniature tradition. Scholars believe that this was because the miniature was used as a private form. These images were kept in a book or album and only shown to a select audience. For this reason, artists could be more free when creating miniatures than when creating wall paintings which were viewed by a wider audience. The Koran (Qur'an) and other religious texts were not illustrated in this way as a rule; however, other works of literature and histories at times included figural scenes.
The Mughals, Islamic dynasty rulers of northern India between 1526 and 1857, were known for their great patronage of the arts. Artists created intricate paintings and illuminated manuscripts depicting scenes of daily life, adventurous tales, mythological, royalty, and recreational scenes.
Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection
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#180058
- Condition: All three miniature paintings are mounted behind glass in attractive frames. Artwork has not been examined outside the frames but appears to be in excellent condition. Frames do have some surface wear with scuffs/chips/abrasions as shown and smallest frame fits a bit loosely, but frames are otherwise very nice. All have suspension wires.
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