Lot 278
- 278
An illustration from the Razmnama: Yudhishthira and his brothers ask Bhishma for his permission to fight, by Yusuf 'Ali, India, Mughal, 1616
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description
- gouache and ink on paper
gouache heightened with gold on paper, depicting a ruler enthroned beneath a canopy and surrounded by courtiers, attendants and musicians, the reverse with a text panel of 20 lines in naskh script and a miniature (11.3 by 20.2cm) of Yudhisthira departing for a battle riding an elephant
Literature
A. Okada, Une page du Razm-nama de 1616, La Revue du Louvre et des Musees de France, 1984, p.271, fig.3
J. Seyller, 'Model and Copy: The Illustration of Three Razmnama Manuscripts', Archives of Asian Art, xxxviii (1985) p.62, fig.4
J. Seyller, 'Model and Copy: The Illustration of Three Razmnama Manuscripts', Archives of Asian Art, xxxviii (1985) p.62, fig.4
Condition
In generally good condition, small panel in top right-hand corner and areas of top, bottom and right narrow gold border skillfully restored, small horizontal tear to the top centre-left, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
This dispersed manuscript of the Razmnama is one of the three major illustrated reproductions of the Razmnama of this period, the other two being a dispersed copy of 1598 and a version dating from 1605. This 1616 copy was commissioned by 'Abd al-Rahim Khan-i Khanan, a great bibliophile and 'Commander-in-Chief' of the Mughal armies to which he was appointed in 1584.
The subject of the present illustration depicts Yudhishthira and his brothers asking Bhishma for permission to fight. Krishna stands between the crowned Yudhishthira and the enthroned Bhishma. It is painted in the sub-imperial Mughal style with strong Hindu influences and was created by the artist Yusuf 'Ali who produced eleven paintings in the Freer Ramayana of 1597-1605 and executed at least one other painting in the present manuscript (see J. Seyller, 'Workshop and Patron: The Illustrated Manuscripts of 'Abd al-Rahim', Artibus Asiae, 1999). The figures of Yusuf 'Ali bear a strong resemblance to those of Fazl, the best-known painter in 'Abd al-Rahim's employ, but have softer lines and more finely drawn eyes.
The subject of the present illustration depicts Yudhishthira and his brothers asking Bhishma for permission to fight. Krishna stands between the crowned Yudhishthira and the enthroned Bhishma. It is painted in the sub-imperial Mughal style with strong Hindu influences and was created by the artist Yusuf 'Ali who produced eleven paintings in the Freer Ramayana of 1597-1605 and executed at least one other painting in the present manuscript (see J. Seyller, 'Workshop and Patron: The Illustrated Manuscripts of 'Abd al-Rahim', Artibus Asiae, 1999). The figures of Yusuf 'Ali bear a strong resemblance to those of Fazl, the best-known painter in 'Abd al-Rahim's employ, but have softer lines and more finely drawn eyes.