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Orissa
Wood, polychromed
A magnificent and rare Ramlila festival mask from Orissa, in excellent condition with original colour and patina. Notable features include a Vaishnavite tilak (mark), a tiered crown with geometric and floral motifs and an upturned moustache emanating from a large beaked nose. Two large earrings with decorative swirls hang from his elongated ears and tiny ovular slits have been cut out beneath the eyes to help the dancer navigate while wearing the mask.
Garuda is often shown as the mount of Vishnu. He was originally (in the Rig Veda) regarded as the sun in the form of a bird but this association was taken over by Surya. His earliest appearance in Indian sculpture was as a mythical bird forming part of the animal kingdom paying homage to the Buddha. The necessity of emphasising its mythological aspect resulted in characteristic distortions of its form combining sometimes a parrot like beak and human elements and wearing ear-rings. By the end of the Pallava period the bird element in his appearance had shrunk to a beak-like nose and wings attached to an otherwise human body. In this form he is usually shown with two hands (often in anjali mudra).
Shahi Jatras (royal processions) of Orissa present different episodes from the Ramayana during the spring season, usually lasting for for one week. Actors, carrying huge wooden masks and gorgeous costumes, walk on the streets with stylized gait and mime with the accompaniment of loud drumming. The Desia Nata of Koraput, Orissa, also uses masks for representing gods, goddesses, animals, birds and demons. These themes are also taken from Ramayana.
Mask Size (cms): 55(H) x 48(W) x 28(D), 66(H with stand)
Mask Size (inches): 21.5(H) x 19(W) x 11(D), 26(H with stand)
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Published at the Ravi Varma Press, Malavli, Lonavla
by Raja Ravi Varma
chromolithograph
Vishnu is is seen here riding on his vahana (vehicle), the mythical bird Garuda with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi on either side. The blue skinned Vishnu carries two of his usual attributes, the disc (cakra) and conch (sankha) in his hands. His consorts both bejewelled wear saris and hold chauris (fly whisks) in their outstretched arms. Garuda is depicted mid-flight carrying the trio and holding a golden cobra firmly within its talons.
Ravi Varma occupies an important place in Indian art history. He developed a painting style that appropriated the illusionary techniques of European oil painting with traditional Indian subject matter. The popularity of Ravi Varma’s paintings gave him the idea to make oleographs that would be available to the general public, instead of only elite patrons. Oleographs, also called chromolithographs, are multi-colour art prints, stemming from the process of lithography.
These immensely popular chromolithographs from the Ravi Varma press quickly set a new iconographical standard for the traditional Indian heroes and deities. Often the figures were embellished with embroidered sequins and other decorative material, creating vibrant pulsating images.
Image Size (cms): 49.5 (H) x 34.5 (W)
Image Size (inches): 19.5 (H) x 13.6 (W)
Framed Size (cms): 62 (H) x 48.5 (W)
Framed Size (inches): 24.5 (H) x 19 (W)
