f. 16
recto:

Calligraphy, c. 1500.

An unsigned quatrain written on sand coloured paper surrounded by floral arabesque decoration against gold with illuminated thumb pieces.


verso:

A lady standing in a crescent moon surrounded by panels of calligraphy, Delhi, c.1720-40.

At the centre of the folio is an oval painting of the head and torso of a lady who is standing inside a crescent moon holding a conch shell in both hands. She is clothed only in a translucent veil wrapped around her shoulders as well as a japa mala, a strand of Hindu prayer beads, and other jewellery. It is possible that she is a representation of the musical mode Kedar Ragini, sung at night and often depicted as a female ascetic in meditation. She is named after the god Shiva (i.e. Kedar), whose symbols include the crescent moon and the conch shell. Around the painting are small panels of calligraphy artfully composed surrounded by floral illumination in gold, blue, red and turquoise. The panels of calligraphy include verses by the poets Nizami and Sadi.


For more information on this album see RCIN 1005068.