DrawingsIndian18th century

Prince and Lady Playing Chess on a Rooftop while a Bed is Prepared in a Room Below

18th century

Description

The drawing features a multi-tiered structure. At the top, on the roof, a prince, distinguished by his turban and turban ornaments, plays chess with a lady of the court. He sits cross-legged and wears a long robe (jama). She wears a chaniya choli, which consists of a crop top and a long skirt. Her head is partially covered by a long shawl. A female attendant, also wearing a chaniya choli and a shawl around her head, approaches them at the top of the stairs. On the level below, a female attendant prepares a bed. At the very bottom of the structure is a male figure seated in an enclosed terrace. He wears a turban and a long robe. A large shield (dhal) is under the crook of his left arm while a sword hangs from his waist sash (patka). Rajput Style, Kota School.

Classification

Drawings

Medium

Ink and opaque white watercolor on paper; Rajput Style, Kota School

Culture

Indian

Century

18th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art

Dimensions

25.2 x 13.7 cm (9 15/16 x 5 3/8 in.)

Provenance

Stuart Cary Welch (by 1973 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum. Notes: Object was part of temporary loan to Museum in 1973.