I purchased this from a dealer in my neck of the woods, who travelled and collected extensively, and interestingly, in Southeast Asia over many years. The text here is in Hindi, though I have not managed to translate it. What struck me first was the wonderful grid of faces of this woman at lower left, a mix of frontal and profile views with some great expressions among them, looking a whole lot like strips of photo-booth selfies (or an instagram grid)! And then this regal man on his throne smoking a hookah, beautifully rendered and very handsome, gorgeous finely hand-painted patterns everywhere, including silver against blue background pattern that feels a bit like clouds of smoke. This is the side that sold me, but the reverse is lovely too--and I would guess here our woman of the many selfies arrived in the flesh!
9 1/8" x 7 3/4" Very good condition, ink and gouache on paper. A few small holes in the paper, minor; stable and not particularly fragile. I am not expert enough to definitely date this, 18th-19th century.
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