拍品专文
Relatively fewer Hindu than Buddhist paintings from Nepal survived and many are in bad condition. It seems that the Buddhist followers were more keen in creating, donating and preserving their paintings than their Hindu countrymen. Therefore the paubha under review is a fine exception.
The historical importance of this painting is enhanced by the partly Sanskrit, partly Newar inscription at the lower bottom side. According to the inscription the paubha was dedicated on the completion of the anantavrata rite in the year samvat 836 (A.D. 1716). This Vaishnava rite is one of the most important religious events and takes yearly place in the Kathmandu Valley.
The painting was, according its inscription, commissioned by various donors whom can be identified as well by additional inscriptions above their heads. The commissionars were Ratnabhadra, with a manuscript in his left hand, Siddhesvara, probably his wife and the royal teacher Suvarnadeva, who is offering oblation in the fire. On the other side of the holy fire, at the far end, are seated king Bhupatindramalla (reign period A.D. 1696 - 1722) and his son, prince Ranajitamalla (r. A.D. 1722 - 1769).
Vishnu shrine paintings from Nepal are rare and hardly represented in Western collections. An exception is the fine Vishnu shrine painting in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and published by dr. P. Pal, Art of Nepal, Berkeley, 1985, p. 221 and pl. 26. A most interesting aspect is a similar royal commission, but only with Bhupatindramalla as young prince! The L.A.C.M.A. paubha is dated slightly earlier, A.D. 1681.
Both paintings are in a remarkable good condition and Pal correctly suggested that the best painters were responsible for these paintings by using a very rich palette of many different colors.
The historical importance of this painting is enhanced by the partly Sanskrit, partly Newar inscription at the lower bottom side. According to the inscription the paubha was dedicated on the completion of the anantavrata rite in the year samvat 836 (A.D. 1716). This Vaishnava rite is one of the most important religious events and takes yearly place in the Kathmandu Valley.
The painting was, according its inscription, commissioned by various donors whom can be identified as well by additional inscriptions above their heads. The commissionars were Ratnabhadra, with a manuscript in his left hand, Siddhesvara, probably his wife and the royal teacher Suvarnadeva, who is offering oblation in the fire. On the other side of the holy fire, at the far end, are seated king Bhupatindramalla (reign period A.D. 1696 - 1722) and his son, prince Ranajitamalla (r. A.D. 1722 - 1769).
Vishnu shrine paintings from Nepal are rare and hardly represented in Western collections. An exception is the fine Vishnu shrine painting in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and published by dr. P. Pal, Art of Nepal, Berkeley, 1985, p. 221 and pl. 26. A most interesting aspect is a similar royal commission, but only with Bhupatindramalla as young prince! The L.A.C.M.A. paubha is dated slightly earlier, A.D. 1681.
Both paintings are in a remarkable good condition and Pal correctly suggested that the best painters were responsible for these paintings by using a very rich palette of many different colors.