Page 180 - 2019 September 11th Christie's New York Chiense Art Himalayan bronzes and art

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AN ILLUSTRATED FOLIO FROM RAMAYANA
SERIES: RAMA AND LAKSHMANA
DEPART AYODHYA
NORTH INDIA, PAHARI, GARWHAL, ATTRIBUTED
TO CHAITU, CIRCA 1820-30
Image 18¿ x 12º in. (46.0 x 31.1 cm.)
folio 18æ x 13Ω in. (47.6 x 34.3 cm.)

$7,000-9,000

PROVENANCE
The Lanier Collection, mid-1990s, by repute.
Rama and Lakshmana are depicted in discussion with
kings and nobles seated within the white marble palace
of Ayodhya—then leaving in a horse-drawn chariot
as depicted in simultaneous narration. Peacocks
stride between the compartmentalized segments of
the composition. The zig-zagging elements of white
architecture and green lawn interconnect the narrative.
The folio appears attributable to the artist Chaitu (and
his workshop) who began his career in Kangra then
moved to Garwhal circa 1829, likely establishing an
atelier. The color palette, composition, distinctive facial
types and polished surfaces are all markers of his style.

The present painting is from the period of Garwhal that
has been described by W. G. Archer as “Phase Three”
circa 1815-1875. Numerous series appear painted
there including at least one dispersed Ramayana series
from which the present painting likely originates.
Other folios are in the Los Angeles County Museum
of Art and Sri Bhawani Museum in Maharashtra
among others.

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