A PURPLE VELVET DEVI POSHAK (COSTUME FOR A HINDU MURTI)
Nathdwara, near Udaipur, Rajasthan, North-Western India, second half 19th century

Of child-like size, the purple velvet costume of tight bodice attached to a wide ghagra skirt, with an elaborated collar with a multi-stranded chain necklace design with a large floral pendant in the centre, radiating outlines dividing the skirt in vertical tapering panels, the border embellished with scrolling flowering sprays, and the skirt panels featuring minute floral sprigs worked in silver-gilt zardozi in coiled wire and spangles, laid on maroon silk, edged in red silk, professionally backed and mounted, 98cm maximum spread of skirt, 89cm sleeve span, 56cm height from the collar, 76cm x 113cm including the mount.

This unusual piece would have been tied around a Hindu murti (devotional icon), possibly of Shri Nath Ji or a version of Lord Krishna as a toddler, for greater verisimilitude, and immediacy of encounter during the Darshan (the beholding of a deity during special ceremonies and puja prayers).