ManuscriptsIndian18th-19th century

A wedding ritual celebrated by women of the palace (painting, recto), illustration from a Ramayana series

18th - 19th century

Description

This painting depicts a wedding ritual primarily undertaken by women. In the center, the four brides of the four sons of Dasharatha are seated under a festive tent, and royal women surround them. In the pavilion on the right, a royal lady is seated, most likely Rama’s mother, Kaushalya. The scene might depict a moment from the celebrations to mark the wedding of the princes, Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna. This folio possibly belongs to a Ramayana manuscript produced in Sirohi. This manuscript is notable for its vibrant blue background, achieved through the use of the pigment Prussian blue. Other folios from the same manuscript in the Harvard Art Museums’ collections are 1973.164, 1973.165, 1973.166.A, 1973.166.B, 1973.167, 1973.168.A, 1973.168.B, 1973.170.A, 1973.170.B, 1973.171. Rajput, Rajasthani, Sirohi School.

Classification

Manuscripts

Medium

Opaque watercolor on paper

Culture

Indian

Century

18th-19th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art