   Indian Miniature Paintings Represent a tradition that goes back to the 11th century, when works were executed on palm-leaves in a rectangular format. Over time, two distinct schools of paintings developed -the Hindu, sacred style and the Muslim - a more secular approach which often reflected the court and the royal patron.

   Early miniatures, mainly religious in nature were done in the belief that the painted figure was the equivalent of it's subject. This led to works of elegant naturalism and to compositional standardism.

   The Dynasty of Mongol Turks under the Mughals was the dominant power in Northern India from the 16th to 18th centuries. During that time both the Mughal style of book illustration - a strongly Indian accent combined with Persian influences - and the Rajput, Hindu form of the art, flourished.

   Miniatures came to depict such things as codes of behavior, exquisite moods, the conduct of lovers. Portraits were often commission and carried the mark of royal favor. Background, costume, stance and gesture all imparted special meaning, The horse might indicate Rajput dignity; a flower in hand, feminine delight.

  Paintings produced during this century are done in a similar style and spirit as those of previous times, often by extended families involved in this art form for many generations.

   The technique of grindings the pigments, lightening with white and sizing with glue is still used. this is equivalent to the dry tempera technique of early Renaissance. Very old paper (100 - 200 years old), with hand calligraphy is often the material upon which the paintings are rendered.

    Major museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and the Cleveland Museum have wonderful examples of early miniatures in their collections.

To Showroom