Untitled

Unknown

ca. 1660–80 · Ink and opaque watercolor on paper · Asian Art

The extensive poetic Nayikabheda literature examines the nature of romantic interactions between idealized male (nayaka) and female (nayika) types. The related paintings translate this poetry into refined visual representations that in Malwa take on formal and iconic qualities. In this work (from the same manuscript as 1979.505), the woman’s gesture of speech or exposition indicates that the two characters are engaged in conversation, as befits the sometimes classificatory nature of the Nayikabheda.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1660–80

Medium

Ink and opaque watercolor on paper

Culture

India (Madhya Pradesh, Malwa)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin N. Haas, 1975