painting
- Museum number
- 1954,0410,0.20
- Description
-
Opaque watercolour painting on paper of a message carrier and his wife. The message carrier stands holding an envelope with a red seal in his hand. Opposite him is his wife, who carries a large pot in the crook of her left arm. He wears a white dhoti with a thin red border, a sash tied at the waist and a jacket of green material printed with floral motifs. On his shaved head is a deep blue turban of a similar material. A Vaishnava namam (emblem) is drawn on his forehead, and from his ear dangles a large round earring with a ruby. His wife is clad in a chocolate brown nine-yard sari with a printed striped pattern, draped over her bare breasts. Earrings of different designs adorn her helix and earlobe. Around her throat are a choker, a golden necklace and another with coral and golden beads, and a nose ring and bangles complete her attire. In the background is a landscape with soaring coconut palms and other trees. Clouds float in the sky. Two loops attached to the feet of the figures suggest the shadows cast by their bodies.
- Production date
- 18thC(late)
- Dimensions
-
Height: 33 centimetres
-
Width: 21.70 centimetres
- $Inscriptions
-
- Location
- Not on display
- Acquisition date
- 1954
- Department
- Asia
- Registration number
- 1954,0410,0.20
