INDIA, RAJASTHAN, 19TH CENTURY

Details

A Picchvai of the Dana Lila
India, Rajasthan, 19th century
With Krishna at center and his brother, Balarama, and the cowherders at left with gopis at right, a gopi providing a drink to a kneeling cowherder at front, all against a rocky outcropping with temple and palace architecture on top, Surya in center above flanked by flying vimanas carrying celestial musicians and the couples Shiva and Parvati, Brahma and Brahmani, and Indra and Indrani, an inscription in gold at lower left
82¾ x 68¼ in. (210 x 173.4 cm.)

Exhibited

Galerie Ariane Dandois, Pichvaï: ou les peintures dédiées au culte de Krishna, 17-29 October 1977, p. 24-25

Lot Essay

In the Dana Lila, which means "Taking of a Toll," Krishna playfully tips yoghurt from the matka on top of the gopi's head, tentatively identified as Radha, that she and her companions are carrying to the market. This is one of the many different games that Krishna plays to win Radha's attention, and all of the forest animals and celestial couples look on as witness to their courtship. The inscription at bottom is translated to "naghina lal Mathur radhas (a)njusarapalana Shri Krishna panyasi."

More from Indian And Southeast Asian Art Including Property From The Collections Of Ariane Dandois And Robert H. Ellsworth

View All