Adoration of Shri Nathji
Artist Unknown, India, Rajasthan, Kotah School
Description
This painting was once part of a large set documenting liturgical practices at the Kotah royal palace in Rajasthan. The richly dressed sculpture in the central niche is Shri Nathaji, an alternative name for Krishna, and the principal deity of the Vallabha Sampraday sect, to which the Kotah ruling family belonged. A priest is shown performing the lamp-waving ceremony before Shri Nathaji. At right is a small costumed sculpture of Krishna playing the flute.
The Kotah royal house developed a detailed calendar of rituals to be performed in the presence of Shri Nathaji, who would be dressed in different costumes depending on the season and occasion. At least two sets of paintings were commissioned to document these rituals.
Exhibited in "Divine Encounters, Earthly Pleasures: Twenty Centuries of Indian Art" at UMMA, 12/12/03–2/22/04.
Subject Matter:
This painting was once part of a large set documenting liturgical practices at the Kotah royal palace in Rajasthan.
The Kotah royal house developed a detailed calendar of rituals to be performed in the presence of Shri Nathaji, who would be dressed in different costumes depending on the season and occasion. At least two sets of paintings were commissioned to document these rituals.
Physical Description:
The richly dressed sculpture in the central niche is Shri Nathaji, an alternative name for Krishna, and the principal deity of the Vallabha Sampraday sect, to which the Kotah ruling family belonged. A priest is shown performing the lamp-waving ceremony before Shri Nathaji. At right is a small costumed sculpture of Krishna playing the flute.
Usage Rights:
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