INDIAN SCHOOL (19TH CENTURY)
A set of six miniatures each depicting important individual landmarks, including Sunehri Masjid (The Golden Mosque); Rumi Darwaza (The Turkish Gate); Bara Imambara...

INDIAN SCHOOL (19TH CENTURY)
A set of six miniatures each depicting important individual landmarks, including Sunehri Masjid (The Golden Mosque); Rumi Darwaza (The Turkish Gate); Bara Imambara (The Grand Mosque); the Tomb of Makhdum Shah Daulat; The Golden Temple Amritsar; and Jama Masjid Mosque (c.1860)
Oval, gouache on ivory, glazed panel, each 2 x 2.6cm. (6)

The tradition of miniature painting in India can be dated back to the 9th century when they used palm leaves as their surface material, the space itself only allowing for small images. Miniature painting was brought into the form that we recognise now with the arrival of the Mughal Empire in 1526. These emperors brought with them their court artists from Persia who quickly spread their style throughout India, the school of painting flourishing well into the 1700s and beyond.

These particular miniatures date to the 19th century and can be equated to those souvenirs that we more commonly see with the European Grand Tour. At this time, India was gripped by British power. A rebellion against the tyranny of the East India Trading Company led to the establishment of crown rule in 1858. Where once the navy held sway, India was now subjected to a flood of British nobles who looked to assert themselves overseas, often through quite questionable means. In the 1870s, the Marquess of Salisbury, the then Secretary of State for India, is recorded as stating that India is to be bled and, indeed, it quickly became Britains greatest source of revenue. Unfortunately, whilst these foreigners flitted from place to place, collecting their mementos and making memories for their diaries, the Indian population fell further into poverty and social division. These beautiful images thus only show one side to the Britains 19th century Jewel in the crown that of luxury, wealth and exoticism.

Helena Carlyle, September 2017


PLEASE NOTE: THIS ITEM CONTAINS OR IS MADE OF IVORY

Bidders should be advised that importation regulations of several countries, including the US, prohibits the importation of ivory, or any goods containing ivory. Therefore Adams advises prospective purchasers who intend to ship this lot to another country to familiarise themselves with the relevant importation regulations prior to bidding. Adams will not be responsible for shipping items herein and the onus will be on the buyer to organise shipping at their own behest.

 

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