A Krishna shrine

ca. 1740

Not on view

This is a remarkable complete rendering of altar-shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna, avatar of Vishnu, together with its officiating priest (pujari) and lay worshipper. Both men are named by inscription: Baliram, the priest, is distinguished by the sacred thread over his shoulder; Jangu, the worshipper, wears a white loincloth (dhoti ) and shawl and holds prayer-beads. The naming of the sponsor of the ritual and his family priest is a clear indication that the lay worshipper commissioned this painting in celebration of the worship ritual (puja) being performed. The painter’s skill is reserved for the individualized portraits of the two participants, which appear to be character studies from life.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: A Krishna shrine
Date: ca. 1740
Culture: India, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
Medium: Opaque watercolor on paper
Dimensions: Image: 24 in. × 17 1/2 in. (61 × 44.5 cm)
Framed: 29 1/8 in. × 21 7/8 in. × 3/4 in. (74 × 55.6 × 1.9 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Howard Hodgkin Collection, Purchase, Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, by exchange, 2022
Object Number: 2022.251
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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