Tambura

Unknown

19th century · Gourd, wood, ivory, bone, paint, steel · Musical Instruments

This decorative miniature tāmbūra would not have been used in musical performance, but was undoubtedly cherished for its beauty. Painted in South Indian (Mysore) style, it shows Ganesha in the center, Rāma fanned by Hanuman on the left, and Sita on the right. The back features various incarnations of Shiva.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Gourd, wood, ivory, bone, paint, steel

Culture

Indian

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889