Description:

Lot 45. A SIKH PRINCE ENJOYING A NAUTCH
19th Century

Opaque pigments and gold on paper, the scene depicts a Sikh prince seated on a richly patterned blue and gold carpet, his figure supported by green and gold bolsters. He wears a yellow robe adorned with gold motifs and a jewelled turban, while attendants stand behind him holding flywhisks. A group of courtiers sits to his left, dressed in garments of varied colours—greens, reds, whites, and blues—each rendered with careful facial delineation. Before the prince, three female dancers in red and green attire perform, accompanied by musicians seated to the right playing dholak, sarangi, and other instruments. The architectural setting includes intricately decorated white walls with cusped arches and gilt floral designs, opening onto a verdant landscape of rolling hills and trees. A broad pink outer border with an inner black floral band frames the composition. The pigments show areas of light surface wear consistent with age.

The reverse is plain, bearing an older mounting sheet with residual adhesive patches and discolouration along the edges.

Nautch scenes of this type portray courtly entertainment, depicting dancers and musicians performing before a ruler or noble within a formal setting that emphasises refinement and sociability in 19th-century North Indian courts.

Measurements: 48 x 34cm

Folio: 42 x 27cm

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December 16, 2025 1:00 PM GMT
London, United Kingdom

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