Description
Portrait of raja Narain Singh Polychrome pigments and gold on ivory. India, Varanasi, 19th century. (General wear but good conservation). 10 x 8 cm Certificate FR2207510265-K, issued 02/09/2022 Provenance: French private collection, catalogued in the collection as acquired in 1982 from the Marco Gallery Polo (described as Prince Asaf-Ud Dawla) This portrait represents Udit Narain Singh, Raja of the city of Varanasi (also known as Benares) from 1796 to 1835 . He is depicted in bust form, smoking the huqqa The ruler is wearing a golden turban, adorned with a royal aigrette, pearls and stones, and adorned with precious jewels and gold embroidered clothes. A similar portrait of Narain Singh smoking the huqqa is in the collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London (inv. IS.32-1985). Narain Singh is known for his fervent opposition to British rule. Painting on ivory was not widely practiced in Varanasi, where artists have long preferred painting on mica.
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Portrait of raja Narain Singh Polychrome pigments and gold on ivory. India, Varanasi, 19th century. (General wear but good conservation). 10 x 8 cm Certificate FR2207510265-K, issued 02/09/2022 Provenance: French private collection, catalogued in the collection as acquired in 1982 from the Marco Gallery Polo (described as Prince Asaf-Ud Dawla) This portrait represents Udit Narain Singh, Raja of the city of Varanasi (also known as Benares) from 1796 to 1835 . He is depicted in bust form, smoking the huqqa The ruler is wearing a golden turban, adorned with a royal aigrette, pearls and stones, and adorned with precious jewels and gold embroidered clothes. A similar portrait of Narain Singh smoking the huqqa is in the collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London (inv. IS.32-1985). Narain Singh is known for his fervent opposition to British rule. Painting on ivory was not widely practiced in Varanasi, where artists have long preferred painting on mica.
