19th century
Standing barefoot on a white terrace is a Virahotkanthita Nayika, (“One Distressed by Separation”), a heroine that waits for her lover to return from a long journey. She wears a gold-green costume, a shawl that is draped over her head, earrings, necklaces, a head ornament, a nose ring, rings, and bracelets. Her finger tips are dyed with henna. Her right hand is placed over her heart, holding her garment up. Next to her is a large male pigeon and a mourning dove. In the foreground is a small fountain flanked by flower patches. The background features two large flowering trees and large red blooms. Pahari Style, Kangra School.
26.3 x 17.4 cm (10 3/8 x 6 7/8 in.)
Black ink and opaque watercolor on beige paper, with underdrawing in black ink
17th centuryMughalInk, opaque watercolor and gold on paper
18th centuryPersianInk, opaque watercolor and silver on paper
18th centuryMughalOpaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper
17th centuryIndianOpaque watercolor on paper
19th centuryIndianInk on paper
16th centuryPersianBrown counterproof on off-white wove paper; blind embossing on verso (recto); Top: red and brown inks over graphite on off-white wove paper (verso); Bottom: red ink over graphite, watercolor on off-white wove paper (verso)
19th centuryPersianGraphite on off-white wove paper; pricked and pounced with black chalk, verso rubbed with red chalk (recto); Red ink with touches of graphite on off-white modern laid paper; pricked (verso)
19th centuryPersianInk, opaque watercolor and gold on paper
16th centuryPersianOpaque watercolor and gold on paper
17th centuryIndianInk with opaque watercolor and gold on paper
17th-18th centuryIndian