Description

An antique Indian miniature panting of a noble man with his harem. Five beauties vie for his attention. Two musicians play music in the foreground. In the background is the architecture of elaborate archways and doors which lead to the inner courtyard. The edges of the paper are decorated with sprays of flowers.

Wealthy residences had a protected area where all the women of the house lived. This scene takes place just inside the antahpur (inner courtyard) of such an area. Richly painted in gouache, ink and gold on paper.

Provenance: Collection of Julian Tomchin, a renown textile designer.

Age: Mughal Empire (c1526-1857)

Dimensions: Framed 13 3/4″ high x 10 1/4″ wide