Page 68 - 2021 April 1, ART OF THE ISLAMIC AND Indian Worlds Including Oriental Rugs, Christie's London

*43
AN ILLUSTRATION TO A BHAGAVATA PURANA SERIES: SUDAMA PUT TO BED
GARHWAL, PUNJAB HILLS, NORTH INDIA, CIRCA 1820-50
Opaque pigments heightened with gold on paper, within black rules, laid down on speckled pink margins,
the reverse plain with later owners' inscriptions, with flyleaf with numbered royal Mandi collection stamp
Painting 8 x 11in. (20.2 x 28cm.); folio 10¬ x 13¬in. (27 x 34.5cm.)
£10,000-15,000 US$14,000-21,000
€12,000-17,000
PROVENANCE:
Royal Mandi collection
This scene depicts the favourable reception that Krishna’s childhood friend Sudama received upon
his arrival at Krishna’s palace. In the distant pavilion in the centre of the painting, Krishna is depicted
conversing with Sudama, to the right, Krishna gently puts Sudama to sleep, and to the left Krishna
himself is lulled to sleep by the musicians beneath. Following their meeting, Sudama is shocked to
return home to find that his humble cottage has been replaced by a golden palace. An almost identical
scene is in the Victoria and Albert museum, (inv.no.IS.547-1952), see W.G. Archer, Indian Paintings from
the Punjab Hills, London, 1973, p. 80, no. 7 (iii).

66 In addition to the hammer price, a Buyer’s Premium (plus VAT) is payable. Other taxes and/or an Artist Resale Royalty
fee are also payable if the lot has a tax or λ symbol. Check Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back of this catalogue.