Life Size Indian White Tiger Wall Hanging

A life size gouache on linen of an Indian White Tiger.

Size: 10’ 6” x 5’ 11” (320 Cms x 182 Cms)
 

Probably by artists from Udaipur, Rajasthan 

Indian Folk Art for the Indian people.

Circa 1920

The courtly tradition of painting in India is long established.

From exquisite miniatures to extravagant temple backdrops, each sschool evolved its own traditions and techniques

This hanging is a late example of a form developed in the Mewari court in Udaipur.

By the 19th century, the tiger hunt was one of the few princely activities still available to native Indian rulers.

After the inevitable climax, the tiger's portrait was painted. A permanent marker of a moment in time.

The banner would have been processed in the triumphant, post-hunt parade, declaring to all who saw it that their prince retained the true powers of leadership, even under British rule.

Being ephemeral, albeit on a grand scale, and fragile, these documentary relics rarely survive.

Dating to the first quarter of the 20th century, our Tiger could well be the last depiction of a White Tiger hunted by an Indian Prince.

see Bonhams Bond Street: 21st April 2015: Lot 204. £17,500 inc. premium

      Bonhams Bond Street: 2nd October 2012: Lot 174. £37,250.00 inc. premium 

Included with the images is a photo of the script written on the reverse which maybe Nagari.