THREE PATTACHITRA PAINTINGS
PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE AMERICAN COLLECTION
Puri, Odisha (Orissa), Eastern India, early 20th century

Opaque ground pigments on cotton cloths joint with a coat of chalk and gum made from tamarind seeds, comprising two paintings from the Jagannath series with the renowned Odisha triad depicted in a temple niche, in the foreground of one painting a group of priests lightening candles, in the latter composition various Hindu deities including Brahma, Shiva, Kali and the ten Avatars of Vishnu all paying homage to the Jagannath shrine painted in the centre, the recto with European numerals, respectively 105 and 94, each 37cm x 38cm; and a painting from the Vaishnav series with an enthroned pair of Lord Vishnu and consort, flanked by semi-gods and deities holding a parasol over the couple and moving fly-whisks around, in the foreground the monkey God Hanuman adoringly lifting Vishnu's foot, the recto plain, 37.5cm x 39.5cm.