15th May, 2026 10:00
Asian and Islamic Art
Four illustrations from a Baramasa series
c.1880-1920, North-Western India, Rajasthan, Bundi,
depicting Krishna and Radha during the changing of the twelve seasons, comprising the months of Phalguna (February-March), Chaitra (March-April), Ashadha (June-July), and Shravana (July-August), including the celebration of the Jhulan Yatra (Swing Festival), each bordered in red, with Devanagari script denoting the month at the top of the composition, opaque pigments heightened with gold on paper
(4)
32 x 22.5cm
Footnote:The term Baramasa, made of the numeral twelve and the noun for month, refers to a celebrated genre of Indian painting that gives visual form to poetic cycles structured around the calendar year. These works evoke a spectrum of human emotion, most often centred on themes of love and separation (viraha), often represented with the traditional pictorial device of the Radha-Krishna divine couple.
Each month or season is characterised through distinctive imagery: the heat of summer, the anticipation of the monsoon, and the renewal of spring. Natural elements such as trees, rivers, clouds, and flowering plants function symbolically, mirroring the emotional states of the lovers - whether longing, union, or joyful celebration.
The Baramasa theme found particular expression in the Rajasthani and Pahari schools between the 17th and 19th centuries. The present group originates from Bundi, a Rajasthani centre known for its bold palette, dynamic landscapes, and dramatic contrasts, while related Pahari interpretations favour softer tones and lyrical intimacy.
Complete sets of all twelve months are rare and highly prized; partial groups, such as the present selection, remain keenly sought after by collectors.
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£400 - £600
Buyer's premium: 30.00% (inclusive of VAT, where applicable)
Condition Report
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Auction: Asian and Islamic Art, 15th May, 2026
We are currently preparing our first Asian and Islamic Art sale of 2026 and are delighted to present an exciting preview of selected highlights. This glimpse of our next auction features a highly desirable range of Chinese and Japanese porcelain, Japanese bronzes, Mughal paintings, Indian bronzes, and so much more.
Our fully illustrated online catalogue will be available soon, showcasing over 300 lots including porcelain, textiles, paintings and calligraphy, manuscripts, carved jade and wood works, as well as bronzes and other metalware.
Viewing
London Viewing
Viewing will be held at our London Gallery, Sworders Fine Art, 15 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ as follows:
Friday 8 May, 10am - 4pm
Saturday 9 May, 10am - 1pm
Sunday 10 May, 10am - 1pm
Monday 11 May, 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 12 May, 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 13 May, 10am - 4pm
All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description.
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
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