INDIA, RAJASTHAN, 19TH CENTURY

In the Dana Lila, "Taking of a Toll," Krishna playfully tips yogurt from the matka on top of the gopi's head that she and her companions are carrying to the market. This is one of the many different games that Krishna plays to win the gopi’s attention. Gods and animals — cows, peacocks, peahens and monkeys —all witness the courtship. Surya is depicted in the center of the glowing sky, flanked by the couples Vishnu and Lakshmi, Shiva and Parvati, Brahma and Brahmani, and Indra and Indrani. Palace architecture is depicted beyond the blue mountain landscape. The present lot compares favorably to another picchwai depicting the Dana Lila sold at Christie’s New York, 21 September 2007, lot 318.