This is a very pretty antique Indian watercolour and gouache painting on paper. It probably dates to the late 19th century.
It is one of three all of a matching style that I have listed in my store. They are all on the same size of buff-coloured paper with matching dark borders decorated with tiny gold flowers.
This pretty little picture features a couple relaxing on a moonlit balcony - they are both reclining on a fabulous Persian rug with a silk cushion to lie back onto. The gentleman dressed in all his finery is probably a member of the Royal court. The lady is rather scantily dressed and his costume suggests that she might be a courtesan. She is offered a little cup by the gentleman. Behind the couple is a wall with lots of alcoves containing tall bottles full of exotic potions and perfumes. A candle at the feet of the courting couple lights the scene. In the distance is a beautifully painted extensive landscape with trees, a lake, and a range of mountain peaks. The sky is full of fluffy clouds and is a dark midnight blue lit up by a large crescent moon.
The borders take the same form as the ones on my other two miniature paintings.
I have taken lots of images of all the details in this work for you to assess all the tiny details and the quality of the paintwork etc. It looks much better in "real life".
Dimensions: the central composition measures: 22 x 14.5 cm. The painting is sold framed and in good clean vintage condition, ready to hang on your wall.
HISTORY: Mughal painting is a style of painting on paper confined to miniature or small works - which would either serve as a book illustration - or could be kept as single works in albums. The style originated in the territory of the Mughal Empire in South Asia. Scenes of battles, legends, hunting scenes, wildlife subjects, Royal life, and myths were the most favoured subjects.
The paintings often were trimmed back sheets and these were then placed into decorative borders that framed the central image
The Mughal painting style later spread from Persia to regions of northern Inda - and the works became bolder and perhaps a little less refined. These later works are often described as "post-Mughal", "sub-Mughal" or "provincial Mughal".
Figurative subjects often had a standard pose with the head shown in a strict profile and the rest of the body turned toward the viewer. For a long time, portraits were always of men, often accompanied by generalized female servants or concubines.
Postage on this attractive little vintage Indian panting will be capped at £4.95 in the UK and applied to your order at the checkout.