ISLAMIC, INDIAN & ANCIENT ART
Lot 245:
Description
Of rectangular form, the ground is richly painted and resist-dyed in shades of deep red, indigo, ochre, and black, with finely drawn details heightened by delicate line work. The central field is dominated by a large lobed mihrab-shaped arch enclosing a teardrop medallion filled with scrolling floral sprays, rendered with remarkable naturalism in red and blue against a golden ground. Surrounding the arch are dense floral arabesques, including carnations and blossoms, set against a cream field that enhances the vibrancy of the palette.
At the base, pairs of confronted animals—including tigers and peacocks—add a lively narrative element, their bodies integrated into the surrounding vegetal scrolls. The lower section is articulated with a series of scalloped, overlapping registers in red and blue.
The wide border is framed by alternating cartouches of calligraphy in nastaʿlīq script and medallion-like floral palmettes, the inscriptions reserved in white against alternating panels of turquoise blue and crimson red, creating a strong rhythmic contrast. Secondary borders of repeating floral motifs enclose the composition, lending further harmony to the design.
222 x 148.5cm
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