Kusum Putra of Dipak: a prince holding a flower-studded bow and a lotus arrow seated with his mistress on a terrace
Nurpur, circa 1700
Nurpur, circa 1700
gouache on paper, red border, in mount
225 x 196 mm.
225 x 196 mm.
Sold for
£27,600
inc. premium
Footnotes
- Nurpur, a small state in the Kangra valley between Basohli and Guler, was for a short time during the reign of Raja Jagat Singh (1618-46) the strongest state in the Punjab Hills. Generals from Nurpur were in much demand at the Mughal court during the 17th century but by around 1700 it lost its dominant position and importance in the region.
Painting at Nurpur was strongly influenced by Basohli and Mankot but the use of the colour mauve, as seen in this ragamala illustration, is a particular feature of the early Nurpur school.
For comparison see: E. Binney, Rajput Miniatures from the Collection of Edwin Binney 3rd, Portland 1968, pp. 98-101, pls. 76a & b and 77; W. G. Archer, Indian Paintings from the Punjab Hills, London 1973, vol. I, pp. 391-393, nos. 7-12, vol. II, p. 304, no. 7 (i-ii); W. G. Archer, Visions of Courtly India, London 1976, no.70.
Category: Islamic and Oriental Art / Islamic and Indian Art
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