Video IconDownload Icon
Zoom Icon Click for high resolution

The priest and his wife performing pūjā, Miniature Painting, Deccan, Hyderabad, ca 1720 – 1730.

 

REGISTERED ANTIQUITY – NON-EXPORTABLE ITEM.

 

Object Detail

 

This miniature painting is carefully structured within a rectilinear format that establishes a clear hierarchy of space. The composition unfolds across distinct layers: a foreground terrace floor, mid-ground figures, and a detailed architectural backdrop rendered in marble-like tones. At the centre of the scene sits a pūjāri (priest) on a mat, distinguished by his vaiṣṇava attributes.  His figure is presented in a three-quarter profile, a convention shared with Rajput and Mughal painting.

 

With his hands poised in ritualistic gestures, he is shown absorbed in devotion, discreetly holding a japa mala beneath a cloth cover. Surrounding him lie ritual implements, each contributing to the sanctified ambience. Beside him, his wife advances with a lamp to perform the ārti. She wears a richly coloured outfit of red and orange, accented with gold, characteristic of Deccani miniatures, where the lavish use of gold paint enhanced luminosity.

 

On the verso of the painting, an inscription offers an additional layer of interpretation: “14____ A Brahmin at prayers counting his beads, which are within the bag in his right hand. The small vessels round him contain water & oil which are intended to be thrown by him from time to time on the lights which his wife is presenting him with.” The number may signify a folio sequence, suggesting this work once formed part of a series.

 

Deccani painting, flourishing from the latter half of the sixteenth century, developed almost in tandem with Mughal art; Hyderabad emerged as one of the most significant centres of production. Its charged compositions, linear refinement, spatial geometry, sensual figures, and saturated colours embodied a visual language that was at once cosmopolitan and deeply local. The present painting, with its devotional subject, elegant figures, and luminous colour, exemplifies that legacy.

 

Provenance

 

From a Private Collection in Mumbai, India.

 

Condition

 

Good overall Condition, with slight foxing on the reverse.

 

Dimension

 

18 x 13 cm

 

Literature Comparison

 

1.Daljeet Kaur, Mughal and Deccani Paintings (New Delhi: Roli Books, 1999).

 

2.Andrew Topsfield, An Introduction to Indian Court Painting (London: H.M.S.O., 1984).

 

3.Mark Zebrowski, Deccani Painting (New Delhi: Roli Books International, 1983).

 

4.Academy of Fine Arts and Literature, Indian Miniature Paintings: The Deccani and Paithan Schools, Google Arts & Culture, https://artsandculture.google.com/story/LwUhY7nLvdXCIA.

 

5.Academy of Fine Arts and Literature, Indian Miniature Paintings: The Deccani and Paithan Schools, Google Arts & Culture, https://artsandculture.google.com/story/LwUhY7nLvdXCIA.

 

6.Daljeet Kaur, Mughal and Deccani Paintings (New Delhi: Roli Books, 1999).

 

7.Andrew Topsfield, An Introduction to Indian Court Painting (London: H.M.S.O., 1984).

 

8.Parul Singh, “Indian Miniature Paintings: A History,” Google Arts & Culture, accessed September 7, 2025, https://artsandculture.google.com/story/eAURdUsdMraLeA.

 

9.Mark Zebrowski, Deccani Painting (New Delhi: Roli Books International, 1983).

 

10.Academy of Fine Arts and Literature, Indian Miniature Paintings: The Deccani and Paithan Schools, Google Arts & Culture, https://artsandculture.google.com/story/LwUhY7nLvdXCIA.

 

Categories: ,

Request More Images


You can find images of this object above. Click on an image to zoom.

In case you are looking for additional images, please email us at ritesh@indikeauctions.com or use the request form below.

    How to Buy

    Buying at Indike is simple. Our friendly team of experts are always willing to discuss items entered in the auctions and also those that are currently available in our online shop with potential purchaser. All members of our dedicated team are here to help should you need any assistance. Please note that all items purchased are subject to our standard terms and conditions.

    Live Auction
    Indike Live Auction

    Bid live on our website, without additional online surcharges!

    Timed Auction
    Timed Auction

    Bids are open until the window closes. Highest bid wins.

    Online Gallery
    Online Gallery

    You can buy fine Indian art immediately in our online shop.

    Terms & Conditions

    By accessing or using this website, mobile application, or any services provided by Indike, you acknowledge and agree to comply with the following terms and conditions. These terms govern your use of our platform and all content, features, and functionality made available through it. Use of this site is conditioned upon your acceptance of and compliance with these terms. If you do not agree with any part of the terms, you must not use the website or services.

    All content provided on this site, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Indike or its licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of any content is strictly prohibited.

    The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and may be subject to change at any time without notice. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content on the site. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

    We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to the website without notice, for conduct that we believe violates these terms or is harmful to other users, us, or third parties, or for any other reason at our sole discretion.

    You may not use this website in any way that causes, or may cause, damage to the website or impairment of its availability or accessibility. You may not use it for any unlawful, illegal, fraudulent, or harmful purpose or activity.

    Related products