asian antiquity

This miniature shows the portrait of a shaivite holyman, possibly a Raja, sitting under a canopy and pouring ingredients into a jar. He might be making bhang, a traditional Hindu intoxicant prepared from the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant.

 

An attendant is sitting in the lower left corner, holding a hookah. Four Saluki dogs keep the two figures company. The unusual motif makes this miniature a very interesting work.

 

The miniature is in fair condition with material loss along the margins. The colors are well-preserved. The right border shows some tears and color loss. The sheet is mounted on paper and framed under a mat. It measures 25.7 x 20.4 cm.