Yalis and Makaras within Ogival Lattice
15th century
Description
Featured in the ogival lattice design of are confronted creatures from Hindu mythology: in one row, yellow yalis, and in the alternating row, blue makaras. Yali possesses the head and body of a lion and wings. Makara is a sea animal that often appears with an elephant head and a crocodile body. Both yalis and makaras are believed to be guardian creatures and are typically found as stone carvings in Hindu temples—at the entrance, on the exterior walls or pillars. Their protective power would have been fitting for textiles of this kind which are believed to be used for decorating imperial tents and canopies. Produced in the Islamic Sultanate period of India, this lampas is a cultural hybrid that combines motifs from Hindu temple architecture and the ogival lattice pattern that was popular in Central Asia, Iran, Egypt, and Ottoman Turkey.
Dimensions
64.1 cm x 73.5 cm (backing: 75 cm x 84.1 cm)
Provenance
Michael Frances.
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