Lot 294: AN INDIAN TANTRIC PAINTING ON TEXTILE, PROBABLY RAJASTHAN OR GUJARAT, 19TH CENTURY.
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This Tantric painting (pata) is executed in opaque pigments on textile and mounted onto a secondary brown cloth border. The central composition depicts a dark-complexioned yogic practitioner or deity seated in padmasana (lotus position). The figure wears an ornate golden crown, a nose ring, and a tilaka mark on the forehead. Centred on the chest are stylised sun and moon symbols flanking a smaller silver-toned figure, likely representing the Atman or a specific deity of the heart chakra. Multiple multi-faced, two-armed deities are positioned on lotus blossoms around the central figure, interconnected by a network of winding nagas (cobras). At the base, two kneeling devotees gesture towards the central figure, while a large, multi-faced head is positioned at the very bottom. The bold outlines and specific palette are characteristic of folk-Tantric traditions from North India, specifically Rajasthan or Gujarat.
Approximately 117 x 87cm
Condition report:
The textile exhibits visible horizontal and vertical creasing and surface undulations. There is minor pigment loss and rubbing evident, particularly along the fold lines and outer edges. The primary painting has been stitched onto a modern brown fabric support.
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