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An unusual and highly characterful old Indian hand-painted folk/religious artwork, executed on a large sheet of traditional-looking paper.
The painting features a richly decorated seated Hindu figure rendered in vivid yellow, red, green, black and white, surrounded by symbolic objects and implements. Particularly attractive details include the elaborate headdress and jewellery, finely applied white-dot ornamentation, a green bird, ceremonial staff/trident-like symbol, fly-whisk or chauri, and the stylised seat or throne.
The relatively small, intensely coloured central figure contrasts beautifully with the large expanse of naturally aged paper.
The entire composition is enclosed within multiple hand-drawn black linear borders, with an inscription beneath the principal image. There is also old handwritten script/notation on the reverse.
The irregular surface, extensive natural ageing and handmade quality give this piece considerable visual character. It would make a distinctive addition to a collection of Indian folk art, Hindu religious art, vernacular painting, manuscript art or South Asian antiques.
Details
Type: Original Indian folk/religious painting
Medium: Hand-painted pigments/colour on paper
Subject: Hindu religious / devotional figure
Origin: India
Style: Traditional Indian folk / vernacular art
Colours: Yellow, green, red, orange, black and white
Inscription: Script beneath the image; additional handwriting on reverse
Framed: No
Original: Yes – appears individually hand painted rather than mechanically printed
Size
From the measuring-tape photographs, the sheet appears to be approximately 14 inches × 8 inches (about 35.5 × 20 cm) overall.
Because the edges are irregular and worn, measurements should be regarded as approximate. Please refer to the ruler photographs for the most accurate indication.
Condition
This is an old artwork showing considerable age and use. Please examine all photographs carefully for the exact condition, particularly the edges, corners, paper surface and reverse. The photographs form an important part of the description.
The surviving painted central image remains particularly colourful and visually striking.
Sold exactly as photographed.
Dating / Attribution
I would not give this a firm century or exact regional school without specialist examination. The paper, ageing, pigments, script and style certainly make it worth presenting as an old traditional Indian piece, but the photographs alone aren't enough to responsibly claim something like “18th century,” “19th century,” or a particular school.
Likewise, I would avoid naming the deity with certainty unless the inscription is properly translated. That protects the listing from an incorrect attribution while still using strong, accurate search terms.
Type: Painting
Original/Licensed Reproduction: Original
Production Technique: Hand Painted
Subject: Hindu Religious / Folk Art
Style: Indian Folk Art
Material: Paper
Culture: Indian
Region of Origin: India
Features: Hand Painted, Inscribed
Framing: Unframed
Orientation: Landscape
Signed: No identifiable artist signature visible
