gouache with gold on paper, red borders, reverse with six lines of Devanagari script and an ink sketch of a horse, framed

Generally in fair condition. Some flaking of pigments, especially in green of lower tree. Some slight fading of green grass pigment. re-touched at lower 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."

This miniature depicts the central event of the popular and tragic romance of Sohini and Mahiwal. Mahiwal, a Bukharan trader, and Sohini, a potter's daughter from the Punjab, fell in love, but their union was forbade as Mahiwal was an outsider. Sohini was married to another man, but Mahiwal stayed on, herding the family's cattle and later living as a hermit by the river bank. Every night Sohini would swim across the river to meet Mahiwal, using an upturned pot to float. When their meetings became known, Sohini's sister-in-law decided to end the gossip and dishonour, and replaced the fired pot that Sohini normally used with an un-fired clay pot. Thus, when she swam across the river that night the pot dissolved and Sohini was drowned. Mahiwal jumped in to save her but he too drowned.