ManuscriptsIndian17th century

The Sakhi Advises Radha to be Kind to Krishna, folio from a Rasikapriya series

c. 1660-1680

Description

Radha sits in the open terrace of her palace. A female attendant sits directly behind her, while another stands and holds a peacock feather fan above them. A third attendant stands on the far left. Radha’s sakhi (female companion) stands at the entrance of the terrace, bending towards her, hands clasped together. Waiting in the courtyard is Krishna, who wears a large gold crown, a long garland of flowers, a translucent jama (robe), and orange trousers. He is bedecked with necklaces, armlets, bracelets, anklets, and earrings. He holds out a lotus in his right hand. In the foreground are three peacocks. Behind the large brick wall are densely packed trees of various sizes, shapes, and colors. Three white cranes peer out from them. At the top of the painting is a solid yellow block that contains black text written in the Braj language. It states: [A Sakhi speaks to the Nayika:] O Sakhi! The maid and the servant cannot speak freely to you. But I have a life-long relationship with you and that is why I will be frank with you. Please speak softly to Krishna as his mind is as fragile as butter. Your words are as hard as wood. I am afraid that this would adversely affect him. (10.12) The painting is surrounded by thick, red borders.

Classification

Manuscripts

Medium

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Culture

Indian

Century

17th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art