Page 120 - Indian, Himalaya and Asian Art Bonhams Setp 2015

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AN ILLUSTRATION TO THE ‘THIRD’ RASAMANJARI OF BHANU DUTTA:
THE INTOXICATED COURTESAN
Attributed to Devidasa, Basohli, circa 1695
Opaque watercolor, gold, silver, and beetle wing cases on paper; the nayika pines against a
red bolster on a silver platform, consoling attendants who offer her more wine.
Inregular 8 1/4 x 11 1/2 in. (21 x 29.2 cm)
$60,000 - 80,000
The illustrated text of the Rasamanjari is centered upon the many aspects of love: longing,
separation, rejection... Here the mature heroine (nayika) drowns her longing in wine. Sensitive
to the pangs, her consumption is excessive contrasted with the accompanying maiden who
practices moderation, raising her hand to refuse another glass.
In discussion of the poem’s themes, Archer writes:
“The text in question is a treatise on poetics illustrating how romantic situations should best
be treated in Sanskrit poetry—the conduct of mature mistresses, experienced lovers, sly
go-betweens, clowns or jokers being all subjected to analysis...” (The Loves of Krishna in
Indian Painting and Poetry, London, 1960, p. 106.)
Stylistically, Basolhi Rasamanjaris are noted for their contrasting fields of solid color, lyrical
figures, and applied lustrous green beetle wings, and the jewel-like raised dots of shell-lime.
Archer, again:
“...This series of illustrations is in some ways a turning point in Indian painting for not only was
it to serve as a model and inspiration to later artists, but its production brings to a close the
most creative phase in Basohli art”. (ibid., p. 105)
Four other pages, all bearing a similar distressed condition, are in the Lahore Museum (see
Aijazuddin, Pahari Paintings and Sikh Portraits, London, 1977, nos. 3(i-iv). Also see, Archer,
Indian Paintings From The Punjab Hills, Delhi, 1973, nos. 15(i-v).
Provenance
Doris Wiener, New York, before 1981
Bonhams, New York, 11 Sep 2012, lot 83
Private Collection, USA

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