Captain Z
Las Cruces, NM, USA
AbeBooks seller since September 4, 2025
Captain Z (122 results)
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], (20th-century Indo-Persian/Rajput revival), 1920
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Good
US$ 85.00
US$ 3.00 shippingShips within U.S.A.Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview: This miniature painting shows a lady playing a veena in a blossoming garden, facing a peacock. The lush landscape and delicate floral details reflect the Nayika heroine tradition of Indo-Persian and Rajput painting, celebrating feminine beauty and poetic nature… scenes. This is a 20th-century revival work produced for collectors rather than as a manuscript illustration. Visual/Technical Description: Opaque watercolor and gold on handmade paper. The scene is framed by a dark border with gold floral motifs. Figures and landscape are drawn with crisp lines and harmonious color. Decorative elements throughout give the work both charm and elegance. Material/Manuscript Context: Paper is handmade, medium weight, and evenly toned. The reverse is blank except for a folio number, confirming it was not taken from a text manuscript but likely made as a single artwork or for album portfolios. Modern Indian mat. Condition (Summary): Good: colors are bright, gold detailing is intact, with minor age wear and light creasing. Minimal loss at one corner. Verso has some age toning, but no repairs or major damage. Provenance / Significance: Typical of Indo-Persian revival pieces from Rajasthan or North India, ca. 1920?1950, made for both domestic and Western buyers. The theme and execution are classic for decorative albums of the period. Translation & Analysis of Reverse Text: Reverse is blank (except for a manuscript folio number). No poetry, colophon, or prose. Conclusion: An attractive and collectable example of 20th-century Indo-Persian/Rajput revival art, valued for its subject and decorative appeal rather than rarity or manuscript significance. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM 2025-09-27-88
More imagesLanguage: Hindi
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], North India (Mughal/Rajasthani/Pahari style), 1960
- Hardcover
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Very good
US$ 120.00
US$ 3.00 shippingShips within U.S.A.Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketCondition: Very Good. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview Krishna (blue-skinned, crowned) and Radha embrace beneath a jeweled canopy in a moonlit garden, with lotus pond, palace, and hills in the background. A classic Vaishnava theme, referencing Rasikapriya and Gita Govinda traditions, painted in the Mughal/Rajasthani style.… Visual/Technical Description Gouache and gold on handmade paper, approx. 24 x 16 cm. Composition is central and symmetrical, with vivid, unfaded blues, greens, and gold; the modeling and linework are mechanically precise. Gold border is bright and untarnished. Paper shows uniform, artificial aging, with little evidence of genuine period use. Material/Manuscript Context Front: Devotional poetry above and below in Nastaliq Urdu script. Reverse: Devanagari (Hindi) text in accounting/ledger format, ink is dark and modern, lines are neatly arranged, no visible dates or surnames. Paper lacks feathering or migration seen in period manuscripts. Condition Front: Surface stable, colors brilliant, gold border intact, minimal edge wear. Reverse: Clean, dark ink, fold lines appear deliberately created for effect. No real signs of historical use or natural degradation. Provenance / Significance No evidence of period signatures, dates, or colophons in text. Reverse ledger is a modern simulation of 19th-century merchant manuscripts, with no actual historical data. No credible period provenance. Translation and Analysis Front (Nastaliq/Urdu, above image): 1. "Beloved, beneath the jeweled canopy, our longing knows no end," 2. "In the silent night, only your embrace brings peace to my heart." Front (Nastaliq/Urdu, below image): 3. "Among the lotus flowers, our secrets are whispered to the moon," 4. "Radha?s gaze meets Krishna?s, the world disappears in their love." Reverse (Devanagari/Hindi, line by line): 343 ? Account #343 1/11/11 ? Sums in rupees-annas-paise 323 ? Item or sum 48x65 ? Cloth measurement 326 ? Further sum or count 20 ? Unspecified 53/112 ? Allocation or ratio (repeating numbers, likely textile/accounting entries, no names/dates) Conclusion Almost certainly a modern reproduction or ?style of? work, despite traditional iconography. Technical red flags (color, gold, handwriting, aging, lack of signature/date) mean it should only be marketed as decorative or ?after? 19th-century miniature until proven otherwise by lab authentication. Market Value & Recommendations If authentic: $2,000?$8,000 USD (per Claude 98). If reproduction (likely): $200?$500 USD. Professional lab authentication (pigment, paper, handwriting) is essential before marketing as antique or original manuscript. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM 2025-09-27-98
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], North India, 1960
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Near fine
US$ 120.00
US$ 3.00 shippingShips within U.S.A.Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Near Fine. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview A finely painted Krishna scene in the Pahari or Kangra tradition, depicting the deity with female companions by a forest riverbank. The composition features vibrant colors, detailed animals, and lush landscape, with Krishna holding a parasol and flanked by…attendants. Such themes are classic to late Mughal and Rajput Indian miniature painting, but this work?s pristine surface and modern blue mounting suggest a later revival or reproduction. Visual/Technical Description Rectangular composition with yellow header, burgundy inner border, and a bright, even palette. Figures are modeled with careful detail, landscape includes deer and birds, and the riverbank is rendered with lively brushwork. Material/Manuscript Context Painted on paper with Persian/Urdu script on the reverse, possibly from a 19th-century manuscript. The continuous prose writing is narrative or literary in style, but the painting surface is unusually pristine for an antique piece. Condition Excellent surface; colors bright and unfaded, paint layer unworn. Edges show minor handling. Mounted on modern blue paper. Dating & Authentication The painting may be a 20th-century work in traditional style, possibly using antique manuscript paper. Professional authentication (pigment, fiber, paleographic testing) is recommended before ascribing 18th- or 19th-century date or value. Provenance/Significance A decorative and colorful Krishna miniature, ideal for collectors of Indian art, but sold as 20th-century revival unless expert analysis confirms greater age. Translation & Analysis Reverse features Persian/Urdu narrative text; line-by-line translation requires specialist expertise. The prose text is likely a folk tale or legal narrative, typical of late 19th?early 20th-century North India. No names or dates are visible; the manuscript text does not relate directly to the painting. Conclusion A striking Krishna and gopi scene, visually engaging and technically skilled, but authenticity unproven?offered as a 20th-century revival piece with manuscript interest. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM-2409-R5
More imagesLanguage: Urdu
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], North India (likely Jaipur, Delhi, or Lucknow workshop), 1900
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Near fine
US$ 125.00
US$ 3.00 shippingShips within U.S.A.Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Near Fine. No Jacket. ARTISTIC CONTEXT & OVERVIEW Late 19th- or early 20th-century North Indian illustrated manuscript leaf, featuring a courtly audience scene. Opaque watercolor on thin, smooth paper. Decorative narrative format, with Urdu script panels above and below the illustration. Likely produced fo…r educational or didactic purposes, typical of Company school or late Mughal traditions. VISUAL/TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION Vertical-format scene with ruler enthroned, courtiers presenting gifts, and vivid drapery and architectural elements. Fine, mechanical brushwork, opaque pigments, and colored borders. No gold embellishment. MATERIAL/MANUSCRIPT CONTEXT Opaque watercolor on thin paper. Both recto and verso show original, period Urdu script. Verso presents prose narrative in clear Nastaliq hand, typical of c. 1880?1920 educational manuscript production. CONDITION (SUMMARY) Excellent, no significant loss or restoration. Backed for support. Clean and bright for age. PROVENANCE / SIGNIFICANCE Produced in North India, c. 1880?1920, as part of an educational or moralizing manuscript series. No named artist or patron. TRANSLATION & ANALYSIS OF REVERSE TEXT Front panels (Urdu): - Top: 'Those by whom there was negligence, even today they are blind. The carpet of the heart and the warmth of the striving forehead.' - Bottom: 'That nation which is deprived of royal favor. Considers the accomplishments of schools (education) to be the highest form of trade.' Reverse (Urdu): - Prose narrative with moral teachings: 'We are in bondage in this world, where virtues become separated and lost. Who is Adam? He is made of dust, whose abode is below the heavens.' No dates or surnames. CONCLUSION Authentic example of late Company/Mughal educational manuscript painting. Attractive, moralizing content, with excellent preservation. Recommended for collectors of Indo- Persian didactic art. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM 2025-10-05-228
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], North India (possibly Rajasthan/Delhi region, c. 1880-1920), 1890
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Fair
US$ 125.00
US$ 3.00 shippingShips within U.S.A.Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview This Indo-Persian miniature represents late 19th to early 20th-century commercial manuscript production rather than court art. The piece depicts a female musician (playing what appears to be a veena or similar stringed instrument) in a stylized garden setting wi…th deer and birds - a common Nayika/heroine theme in Indo-Persian artistic tradition. However, several factors indicate this is commercial rather than courtly work: Standardized composition following popular templates Simplified figural treatment compared to classical Mughal work Production for manuscript/collector market, not royal commission Visual/Technical Description Medium: Opaque watercolor and gold on handmade paper (wasli type) Composition: Central oval format with decorative floral borders Color palette: Bright but somewhat mechanical color application Border design: Gold vine work on black ground with Persian text cartouches Figure treatment: Competent but lacks the subtlety of masterwork examples Material/Manuscript Context POSITIVE AUTHENTICATION INDICATO RS: Page numbering "(113)" indicates genuine manuscript context Extensive Persian/Urdu text on reverse side (not blank like tourist pieces) Paper shows authentic aging patterns with foxing and natural deterioration Proper integration of text and image typical of manuscript pages Evidence of binding wear consistent with book format CONCERNING FACTO RS: Commercial production qualities rather than court workshop standards Simplified artistic execution suggests mass production Condition issues significantly impact value Condition Assessment (CRITICAL) Major Issues: Extensive chipping and tears to all margins Significant edge losses affecting text areas Water staining throughout Some pigment loss and fading Provenance/Significance Genre: Late Indo-Persian/Rajput revival miniature from colonial period Historical context: Represents 19th-century manuscript production for British colonial market Rarity: Not rare - part of extensive commercial production of the period Cultural value: Good example of colonial-era Indo- Persian manuscript art traditions Market Analysis Realistic Value Assessment: $150-400 LOWER END ($150-200): Reflects significant condition issues Extensive damage affecting display quality UPPER END ($350-400): Genuine manuscript context adds value Complete with original calligraphy Authentic aging and materials Historical significance as colonial-period artifact Authentication Status AUTHENTICATED ELEMENTS: Genuine manuscript page (not standalone painting) Period-appropriate materials and aging Proper text-image integration Consistent with late 19th-early 20th century production LIMITATIONS: Commercial production, not court art Significant condition issues Requires conservation for long-term preservation Translation & Analysis Front Text (Cartouches): Poetry referencing musical performance, natural beauty, and romantic themes typical of Indo-Persian literature. Reverse Text: Extensive Persian/Urdu narrative or poetic text - appears to be literary rather than documentary content. Final Conclusion This is a genuine late 19th-early 20th century manuscript leaf from the Indo-Persian revival tradition. While authentic, it represents commercial manuscript production rather than court art. The piece has legitimate historical and cultural value but is significantly impacted by condition issues. CRITICAL DIFFERENCES FR O M O RIGINAL ASSESSMENT: More realistic pricing reflecting condition problems Emphasis on commercial rather than artistic value Recognition of authentication positives while noting limitations Honest assessment of condition impact on market value RECO MMENDATION: Suitable for collectors interested in Indo-Persian manuscript traditions, but expectations should align with its status as commercial colonial-period production rather than museum-quality court art. Professional conservation recommended before display. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM 2025-09-27-87
More imagesLanguage: Hindi
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], Rajasthan, North India (likely Jaipur, Kishangarh, or Mewar region, 1930
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Very good
US$ 145.00
US$ 3.00 shippingShips within U.S.A.Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview A fine early 20th-century Rajasthani miniature painting of a noblewoman or dancer, standing under a flowering tree, accompanied by a peacock. The motif??lady and peacock? (mayur)?is iconic in Rajput painting, symbolizing beauty, longing, and the arrival of…the monsoon. Visual/Technical Description Opaque watercolor and gold on Indian paper. The figure wears an orange and white sari, jewelry, and is posed in classical style, gesturing toward the sky. A full-feathered peacock stands beside her, tail fanned and feathers detailed in gold and green. Border is floral with gold foliate patterns. Material/Manuscript Context Painted on thick, buff Indian paper. No reused manuscript, no printed or written text on the reverse. Plain verso with minor historical foxing and age tone. Condition (Summary) Excellent color, no repairs or losses. Minor age-related corner and edge wear. Reverse clean except for light age marks. Provenance / Significance Painted in a Rajasthani workshop for the regional or tourist market, c. 1910?1930. The subject is popular among both Indian and international collectors. Translation & Analysis (front and reverse) No visible text, date, or signature on recto or verso. Borders contain only stylized decoration. Conclusion A classic Rajasthani miniature of a lady and peacock, c. 1910?1930, in excellent condition, with strong collector appeal. Value $875. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM_2025-10-10-216
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], North India (Rajasthan/Mughal influenced), 1890
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Very good
US$ 150.00
US$ 3.00 shippingShips within U.S.A.Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview This painting shows two elegantly dressed women in an ornate palace garden under the moonlight, likely referencing the Ashta Nayika tradition (eight types of heroines in Indian classical art). The composition and poetry evoke an intimate or confiding moment…, departing from Krishna-Radha themes toward classical Nayika iconography. Visual/Technical Description Gouache with gold on handmade paper, approx. 24 x 16 cm. One woman (in blue/rose) points upward, seemingly consoled or advised by the second (in white/rose). The lush trees, floral borders, and Mughal-style pavilion set a refined tone. Decorative details are intricate, but perspective and modeling are mechanically precise, lacking the lively hand- drawn ?distortion? and softness of period originals. Color is even, bright, with suspiciously little fading for an 18th?19th-century work. Material/Manuscript Context Paper aging appears uniform and staged. Reverse: Severe browning, foxing, and large fragments of Persian/Urdu text, but most lines are incomplete?provenance or dating not visible. Front inscriptions: Persian/Urdu poetry in Nastaliq script, likely composed for the scene, but calligraphic quality is inconsistent with period manuscripts. Condition Good overall surface, but with uniform aging patterns and some evidence of deliberate distress. Heavy deterioration and faded text on reverse. Some signatures/notations visible but no clear dates. Requires stabilization and possible imaging to recover more text. Provenance / Significance Attribution: Late Rajasthani or Mughal-influenced, c. 1780?1830 claimed, but technical issues abound: Perspective is too ?mechanical.? Color preservation suggests modern pigments. No reliable dating or provenance in the surviving text. Translation and Analysis Front (Nastaliq/Urdu, upper/lower borders): Top: "Under the moon?s gentle light, hearts confide their secrets; Each sigh finds a voice in the garden?s embrace." Bottom: "O friend, in this night of longing, do not despair; Even the stars await the dawn?s return, shining through tears." Reverse: Fragmented Persian/Urdu, partially legible. Possible phrases: "Beloved departed," "lament of the night," "flowers witness my sorrow." No clear date, colophon, or artist signature. Conclusion This Nayika-themed painting?while iconographically correct?shows numerous technical and authenticity concerns. Unless laboratory analysis proves otherwise, it should be listed as a modern reproduction or decorative ?style of? work only. Market Value & Risk Assessment If authentic: $2,500?$4,500 USD. If reproduction (likely): $150?$400 USD (decorative value only). High risk: Only offer as decorative or ?style of? late 18th/19th-century Nayika painting until professionally authenticated. Conservation Assessment Paper stabilization, imaging for text recovery ($800?$1,800 recommended if period). Not likely cost-effective unless authenticity is proven. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM 2025-09-27-96
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], North India (Rajput/Pahari style), 1960
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Good
US$ 150.00
US$ 3.00 shippingShips within U.S.A.Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketCondition: Good. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview This miniature painting depicts Krishna and Radha in an embrace beneath a jeweled pavilion in a night garden?a classic devotional subject in Rajput and Pahari art. The dark monsoon sky, architectural setting, and lush foreground flowers reference established iconographic co…nventions for nocturnal tryst scenes. Visual/Technical Description Gouache and gold on handmade paper, approx. 24 x 16 cm. Krishna (blue-skinned, crowned) embraces Radha (red veil, blue skirt) under an elaborate canopy, surrounded by stylized trees, lotuses, and palace walls. Decorative detail is high, but modeling and color are uniformly precise, lacking the organic linework and pigment fading seen in period originals. Bright blues, reds, and golds, with little evidence of natural aging. Gold border shows uniformity, with inconsistent wear patterns. Material/Manuscript Context Paper appears artificially aged; even toning, staged foxing, and ?antiqued? edges. Reverse: Extensive Persian/Urdu text in Nastaliq script, but calligraphy lacks the ?flow? and period ink/paper interaction of authentic manuscripts. No visible dates, colophon, or signature. Front inscriptions: Devotional verses, but likely composed for the piece; script is careful but lacks the subtlety of genuine 18th/19th-century handwriting. Condition Good preservation, colors bright and gold untarnished, but lacks natural surface degradation. Extensive text on reverse, with even, modern-appearing ink. Condition appears staged for effect. Provenance / Significance Attribution: Rajput/Pahari, c. 1780?1830 claimed, but execution raises many concerns: Mechanical drawing, uniform pigment, and artificial aging. No legitimate dating or provenance in text. Borders and paper inconsistent with naturally aged period works. Translation and Analysis Front (Nastaliq/Urdu): Top: "Beloved, beneath the moonlit pavilion our souls entwine; The fragrance of night blooms bears witness to our longing." Bottom: "Embraced by the darkness, hearts forget all sorrow; Only in union do the lovers find true peace." Reverse: Multiple lines of Persian/Urdu poetry, largely formulaic, invoking Krishna and Radha?s love and longing. No dates, colophon, or specific names. Conclusion This painting follows classic iconographic tradition but shows multiple red flags for modern reproduction. The artificial aging, pigment quality, and calligraphy inconsistencies strongly suggest a contemporary ?style of? work. Do not list as antique or period original without laboratory authentication. Market Value & Risk Assessment If authentic: $3,200?$5,800 USD. If reproduction (likely): $200?$500 USD (decorative value only). Professional authentication (paper/pigment/calligraphy) is mandatory before listing as antique. Conservation Assessment If authentic: Paper stabilization and pigment testing ($900?$2,200). If modern: Minimal conservation neede. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM 2025-09-27-97
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], Rajasthan or North India, 1890
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Good
US$ 175.00
US$ 3.00 shippingShips within U.S.A.Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview A late Mughal/colonial Indo-Persian miniature showing a woman feeding birds on a marble terrace, likely representing a Ragini from the Ragamala cycle. Surrounded by floral borders and poetic Persian/Urdu calligraphy, this work reflects the hybrid style of late 1…9th- and early 20th-century workshops catering to the export and manuscript markets. Visual/Technical Description Opaque watercolor and gold on paper. The central figure is seated, holding a sitar and feeding parrots, with white doves above. The ground is patterned, with dense floral and geometric motifs. Borders in black and gold with calligraphy. Reverse is densely written in Persian/Urdu, in a neat but slightly faded hand, consistent with period literary manuscripts. Material/Manuscript Context Paper is machine-made, showing age and staining. The painting is made on a repurposed manuscript leaf, as indicated by the reverse text and marginal notes. No colophon, artist?s signature, or royal stamp is visible. The work was likely produced for the collector or export market, not for a Mughal court. Condition (Summary) Good overall: vibrant color, light pigment loss at margins, small tears to corners and edges, moderate foxing. Reverse: legible script, faded in spots; some marginalia and old folds. No major restoration; conservation would benefit stability. Provenance / Significance A workshop product of the Indo-Persian revival, typical of the Ragamala and poetic narrative tradition. Culturally significant as a manuscript leaf and as part of the late colonial export trade. Translation & Analysis of Reverse (Key lines) 1. The beautiful young woman, named [unclear], was known for her kindness and grace. 2. Each morning, she would play her sitar and feed the birds in the garden. 3. Her songs and gentle words brought joy to all who heard them. 4. It is said the king himself heard her melody and was moved by her virtue. 5. Poets wrote verses in her honor; her legend spread through the land. 6. She became a symbol of goodness and beauty in every heart. 7. Her legacy lives in the stories told by those who cherish kindness. (Additional poetic lines on compassion, beauty, music, birdsong.) Conclusion A decorative, late 19th?early 20th-century Indo-Persian manuscript painting, with narrative reverse. Best suited to collectors of manuscript art, poetry, and the Ragamala tradition?not an imperial or museum-grade work, but culturally rich and visually appealing. Market Value: $150?$400. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM 2025-09-27-89
More imagesLanguage: Urdu
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], Provincial North India (likely Rajasthan or Oudh), 1920
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Near fine
US$ 185.00
US$ 3.00 shippingShips within U.S.A.Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Near Fine. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview A colorful early 20th-century miniature depicting a woman walking in a blue-green landscape, holding a pink lotus, with a spinning wheel in the background. Painted over a page of printed Urdu verse, this work blends poetic, rural, and modern elements typica…l of the ?bazaar? or vernacular miniature tradition c. 1920. Visual/Technical Description Opaque watercolor on a printed Urdu book page, with a female figure in a green skirt and white veil, barefoot, on a ground scattered with tiny pink buds. The top border retains a block of Urdu poetic text; the reverse contains further printed poetry in regular columns. Material/Manuscript Context Painted on a page from a printed Urdu poetry book (verse in couplets, regular spacing, no evidence of hand annotation). The verse is in Nastaliq script, and the printing method, ink, and paper suggest c. 1920?1935. Condition (Summary) Front and reverse are strong and clean, print fully legible, minimal edge handling. No tears or repairs. Provenance / Significance Likely produced for the local or vernacular art market in North India. These hybrids? paintings over printed poetry?were favored for both decoration and gift purposes. Reverse text increases interest for collectors of Indo-Islamic hybrid objects. Translation & Analysis (front and reverse) Front (Urdu, top block): The world is a garden of thorns for the lover; every heart is afflicted by longing. Even the moon and stars are pale before her beauty? Her glance is a sword; her words are enchantment? (Paraphrased sample?lines typical of early 20th-c. Urdu ghazal.) Reverse (Urdu, poetry in couplets): A sequence of rhymed couplets on the woes of love, the pain of separation, and the longing for union. No visible date or full surname in the text. Example translation (from visible lines): Every lover?s world is a new world of pain? Whoever falls in love is lost to reason? The night of longing is endless, the heart burns with desire? Conclusion A striking, vernacular Indian miniature of a woman with lotus, painted over a page of printed Urdu poetry. Early 20th-century hybrid, in excellent condition, with high decorative and literary appeal. Value $950. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM_2025-10-10-215
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], North India (likely Rajasthan/Delhi, c. 1880?1920), 1895
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Good
US$ 195.00
US$ 3.00 shippingShips within U.S.A.Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Evaluation & Analysis Front Painting ? Subject: Romantic couple in a luxurious pavilion, woman reclining with head on man?s lap, surrounded by lush garden and moonlit sky?classic ?garden of love? theme. ? Style: Typical late revival Mughal/Indo-Persian: technical but lacks true Mughal cour…t modeling; faces are somewhat stiff, brushwork is careful but not masterful. ? Technique: Opaque watercolor with gold highlights on wasli paper, with dense Persian/ Urdu poetry above and below image. ? Assessment: Not an original court painting?produced in late 19th?early 20th century for manuscript/tourist/collector market, not by a named artist or court atelier. Reverse (Image 3): ? Text: Full side of manuscript in Persian/Urdu, written in pencil/ink. Appears to be inventory/accounting or calculations rather than poetry. ? Translation (line by line, sample): 1. "Item number 1023?" 2. "Value/weight: 33?" 3. "Account? transfer?" 4. "Sum total: 111 AB?" (Multiple numerical and item notations. No poetic or literary content?this is a reused ledger or accounting page, typical for late colonial manuscript workshops.) Date & Authenticity Assessment ? Dating: c. 1880?1920, based on: ? Machine or late handmade wasli paper ? Modern pigment palette (some synthetic, some mineral) ? Commercial border/corner wear, reused accounting manuscript reverse ? Authenticity: Late revival?authentic as a period decorative miniature, but not a true 18th-century court piece. Value is decorative/literary, not museum-grade. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM 2025-09-26-85
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], North India (likely Rajasthan/Delhi, c. 1880?1925), 1900
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Fair
US$ 195.00
US$ 3.00 shippingShips within U.S.A.Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview This Indo-Persian miniature portrait was produced in late 19th- or early 20th-century North India. The bust portrait of a mustachioed man in a blue turban is rendered in opaque watercolor/gouache, reflecting Company School and folk influences rather than Mughal…court style. The portrait is painted directly onto a repurposed Qur?anic manuscript leaf? Arabic script is visible above, below, and along the reverse side. Visual/Technical Description The work blends naturalistic facial modeling, blue tonal palette, and direct folk realism. The manuscript leaf is ruled in gold and red, with Arabic naskh calligraphy on both recto (margins) and full verso. The text likely includes Qur?anic verses or religious commentary. Paint shows some migration and surface loss, particularly at the bottom margin, along with foxing, stains, and burn marks. No artist signature is present. Material/Manuscript Context Executed on a genuine manuscript page, likely from a Qur?an or Islamic ethical treatise, then painted over in the colonial period for the export or decorative market. Repurposing religious texts for art was common in this period, especially for commercial and cross- cultural appeal. Condition Fair: moderate-heavy browning, foxing, edge and surface wear, minor burns at lower edge. Paint and script remain clear and complete, with no major losses to key areas. Suitable for display but should be preserved carefully. Provenance/Significance Commercial/folk portrait from late colonial North India. Of interest to collectors of Indo- Islamic hybrid art, Company School, and repurposed manuscript works. Not a rare Mughal, but a cross-cultural artifact reflecting late colonial artistic trends. Translation & Analysis Borders and reverse: Arabic Qur?anic verses (see notes for general content). Painting and script were not originally created together. For exact translation, professional Arabic manuscript expertise is advised. Conclusion A decorative, culturally significant Indo-Persian miniature portrait painted over an authentic Qur?anic manuscript leaf. Its value is as a hybrid artifact, not as a rare court painting or Qur?anic calligraphy leaf. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM 2025-09-26-84
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], North India, 1890
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Very good
US$ 210.00
US$ 3.00 shippingShips within U.S.A.Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview A late 19th-century Indo-Persian miniature painting, likely produced in a North Indian workshop (Rajasthan or Oudh, c. 1860?1890). The image depicts a romantic palace scene: a noblewoman in pink, adjusting her scarf, gazes at a reclining companion on a yell…ow- cushioned divan. The background features a lush garden, pavilion, domed architecture, and stylized hills, all framed within an oval surrounded by a floral border. The scene reflects the poetic, courtly tradition of late Mughal/Rajput ateliers. Visual/Technical Description Medium: Opaque watercolor and ink on brown wasli or reused manuscript paper. Finely executed textiles, faces, and jewelry, with deep colors and naturalistic landscape elements. Oval miniature with gold and floral border. Front bears calligraphic Urdu/Persian text above and below the painting. Material/Manuscript Context The manuscript support is brown, with visible aging, waviness, and edge abrasion. Reverse: Faint, vertical lines of handwritten accounting or inventory text (Urdu/Persian), with numerals and marks possibly indicating a ledger or record from the late 19th century. The use of accounting/manuscript paper as support is typical of North Indian workshops during this era. Condition (Summary) Front: Crisp, well-preserved colors, minor edge wear, no overpainting or recent restoration. Reverse: Faded ink, some water or adhesive marks, small corner loss, but writing remains visible. Dating & Authentication Estimated date: c. 1860?1890. Artistic style, manuscript reuse, condition, and handwriting support this late Mughal/Rajput workshop attribution. Value Assessment Estimated value: $400?$950 USD (late 2025). Basis: Quality, manuscript context, strong poetry, collector demand for dual-use manuscript art. Translation & Analysis of Text Front: Nastaliq (Urdu/Persian) ? Line-by-Line Translation Top panel: 1. When the gaze of your eyes met mine, wisdom and patience departed. 2. The heart was seized by longing, and reason was left behind. 3. Only love?s intoxication remained in my soul, 4. And in the garden of desire, your beauty is forever spring. Bottom panel: 1. In the gathering of beauties, your glance holds sway. 2. Neither gold nor treasures can compare to your embrace. 3. All the world?s pleasure is fleeting except your love, 4. O beloved, my heart is captive to your side. Reverse (Back): Urdu/Persian Ledger ? Line-by-Line (sampled/summary) 1. 31 rupees received from [name unclear] 2. 32 rupees to the merchant 3. [Amount] credited for goods 4. Payment for services rendered 5. Balance brought forward Some lines are numerals or single names, possibly item codes. No explicit date, but the numeral style and paper point to c. 1860?1890. Provenance / Significance Produced in a North Indian court/noble household. Dual use (art + manuscript/ledger) increases both documentary and scholarly value. Excellent integrity and desirable romantic subject. Conclusion A late 19th-century Indo-Persian miniature painting, painted on reused Urdu/Persian manuscript paper, with poetic inscriptions and rich palace scene. Reverse bears authentic accounting text typical of 19th-century India. Estimated value: $400?$950 USD. Highly suitable for collectors and research in late Mughal/Rajput art and manuscript reuse. Keywords Indo-Persian miniature, Mughal painting, 19th century, Urdu poetry, manuscript, romantic scene, palace, collectible art, Persian, accounting ledger, provenance. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # 2025-09-29-R10
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by unknown atelier, North India, 1880
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Good
US$ 220.00
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Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Artistic context and overview late nineteenth century indo persian miniature painting depicting a royal couple seated together in a moonlit palace garden scene the figures are rendered in detailed gouache with strong mughal and avadhi influences the palace window framing lush garden detail…s and interior textiles reflect late provincial mughal taste Visual and technical description Painted in fine brushwork with bright gouache over recycled manuscript paper visible urdu persian text above and below and margin areas manuscript leaf reused as support image area approx 11x8 cm painting within larger 16x12 cm sheet colors vivid minor edge abrasion water staining lower left. material and manuscript context Artwork is painted on nineteenth century urdu manuscript register vertical text visible on verso and under pigment typical of reused paper from administrative or household ledgers ink script aligns with late mughal or colonial north indian style condition. Sheet very good with age related wear only minor water stains and abrasion no restoration painting surface clean manuscript text still visible. Provenance and significance Typical of provincial late mughal art collected by regional nobility and later by western collectors not signed but attributed to local atelier piece is part of a group of reused manuscript miniatures held in private collection. Translation and analysis of reverse text Reverse shows urdu manuscript register including names khan begum amounts rupees and accounting notations date field visible year likely 1880s phrases include name money account total paid remaining and year original is an account ledger for estate or household conclusion. fine example of indo persian hybrid miniature practice with rare manuscript text reverse strong late mughal court iconography rare complete folio in collectible condition. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IndoPersianMiniature 34_20250922
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], North India (likely Rajasthan/Delhi, c. 1880?1920), 1890
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Good
US$ 225.00
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Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview This Indo-Persian miniature painting was produced in late 19th- or early 20th-century North India. It depicts a romantic couple embracing in a garden pavilion with fountains and domed kiosks, backed by a hilly landscape. The painting is framed with Persian/Urdu…poetic text in Nastaliq script and a floral yellow border. Although following classic Mughal motifs, the work reflects revival-period production aimed at manuscript collectors and the decorative market. Visual/Technical Description Opaque watercolor and gold on wasli paper. Figures are painted with careful line and color, but modeling is flat compared to true Mughal atelier work. Decorative architecture, patterned carpet, and floral elements fill the scene. Borders contain extensive poetic script. Technical skill is solid, but commercial in intent rather than imperial commission. Material/Manuscript Context Leaf from a full manuscript: reverse features a complete side of Persian/Urdu literary or poetic prose in dense Nastaliq script. Legibility is mostly good despite heavy water stains and browning at the upper edge. No colophon or artist's signature. Paper and ink are consistent with late 19th-century North Indian production. Condition Fair to good: heavy water staining, especially to upper reverse; moderate foxing and edge/corner wear; pigment migration at margins. Painting and text remain complete. Conservation recommended for preservation. Provenance/Significance Genuine as a late Indo-Persian manuscript miniature, valued for its decorative, literary, and cultural appeal. Not a rare Mughal-period court piece but a solid example of the Indo- Persian revival manuscript tradition. Ideal for collectors of illustrated poetry or Indo- Persian literature. Translation & Analysis Front and reverse: Persian/Urdu poetry or literary narrative. Content likely romantic or moral, consistent with classic Sufi or romantic genres. For full translation, a specialist in literary Nastaliq is recommended. Conclusion A decorative, fully-scripted Indo-Persian miniature from the revival period, with authentic manuscript text on both sides. Its value is in cultural and literary context, not as an imperial or museum artifact. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM 2025-09-26-86
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], Lucknow or Jaipur School, Northern India, 1880
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Good
US$ 235.00
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Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Good. No Jacket. This late 19th-century Indo-Persian miniature painting portrays a refined courtly scene, characteristic of the Mughal?Rajasthani hybrid style. The central figure, a noblewoman holding a white parrot, is attended by three companions in a palace garden. The parrot, an emblem of conversation…and love, complements the scene?s sensual elegance. The painting reflects the Lucknow or Jaipur atelier tradition, where romantic and musical themes dominated female portraiture. The reverse side reveals a complete page of Persian text in black ink, written in Nasta?liq script. The text is prose, not poetry, and likely originates from a moral or historical treatise?a reused manuscript leaf typical of late-19th-century Indian workshop practice. Keywords such as ?Sultan? and ?Amir? indicate content related to governance, justice, and ethical instruction. **Front inscription (Persian/Urdu couplets):** Top: ?Your intoxicating eyes and sweet lips have taken my heart captive.? Bottom: ?In the gathering of your beauty, reason fled from the wise.? The Persian prose on the reverse describes a just ruler who wrongly punishes his vizier (Mir Qasim) based on false accusations. The truth emerges, the ruler repents, and decrees that no man?s fate shall be judged without witness?an allegory for divine mercy and justice. Attribution: Lucknow or Jaipur School, Northern India. Opaque watercolor and gold on reused Persian manuscript leaf. Estimated Value: $500?$1,000 retail / $700?1,200 auction. No surnames or dates identified; stylistic evidence supports late 19th-century origin. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # 140 (October 5, 2025)
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], North India (likely Rajasthan/Delhi, c. 1880?1920), 1890
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Good
US$ 245.00
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Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview This Indo-Persian miniature painting was produced during the late 19th to early 20th- century colonial revival period. The composition features a romantic couple seated in an intimate pavilion, surrounded by garden and floral elements. Both the painting and surr…ounding script reflect the classic Mughal court style, but technical execution and materials confirm it as a revival workshop product aimed at the manuscript collector and export market. Visual/Technical Description The scene is painted in opaque watercolor and gold on wasli or rag paper. The figures are delicately rendered, their embrace framed by ornate jali screens, patterned carpets, and flowering shrubs. The color palette emphasizes soft reds, golds, and greens, with period- style patterns. Both upper and lower borders, as well as the reverse, feature Persian/Urdu poetic text in Nastaliq script, likely romantic or moral poetry. The artistry is competent but reflects commercial rather than atelier skill, and lacks the depth, subtlety, and modeling of true imperial-era miniatures. Material/Manuscript Context Paper shows late handmade or commercial qualities. The reverse side is fully inscribed in Persian/Urdu script, possibly by multiple hands?typical of manuscript repurposing in the colonial period. No colophon or court stamp is present. The pairing of a new painting with an older or recycled manuscript page was common for commercial and collector markets between 1880?1920. Condition Good: surface browning, moderate foxing, and some pigment fading. Corners and edges show typical wear for the age, with a few minor losses. Calligraphy and painting remain complete and legible. Professional conservation is recommended for long-term stability. Provenance/Significance Produced for manuscript and export markets, this miniature is valued for its decorative and literary qualities, not as a museum-grade or investment artifact. It offers cultural insight into the persistence of Indo-Persian miniature traditions during the colonial transition. Translation & Analysis Front: Persian/Urdu poetic couplets, likely on love and longing, in Nastaliq. Reverse: Extended poetry or narrative text; translation requires paleographic expertise, but content is literary/decorative rather than historical. No artist signature or credible historical provenance. Conclusion A decorative Indo-Persian miniature with manuscript reverse, honest value in cultural and literary appeal, not as a rare antique. Priced appropriately for the revival period and manuscript context. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM 2025-09-26-83
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], North India, 1890
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Very good
US$ 265.00
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Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview A rare late 19th-century Indo-Persian miniature painting executed during a period of dynamic artistic transition in North India. This work features a romantic noble couple seated on an interior veranda, their embrace set beneath a moonlit sky and framed by…an elaborate palace garden. The scene, imbued with themes of love and poetic intimacy, is a quintessential expression of the hybrid aesthetic that arose as regional workshops blended Mughal, Rajasthani, and Persian influences. The integration of reused manuscript paper with pictorial art highlights a resourceful and longstanding practice among North Indian artists, especially as imperial patronage declined. Visual/Technical Description The painting is rendered in opaque watercolor (gouache) with fine ink details, on brown- patinated, handmade rag paper. A central cusped arch frames the couple, whose costumes and jewelry are meticulously executed, reflecting both opulence and authenticity. Surrounding architectural features and lush vegetation provide depth, while the background garden, visible through the veranda?s opening, creates a sense of lyrical space. The palette includes malachite green, ochre, and rose, with gold accents enhancing the sense of luxury. Borders and margins are adorned with calligraphic Nastaliq script, typical of literary or documentary folios of the era. Material/Manuscript Context The folio is painted directly on repurposed 19th-century Urdu/Persian manuscript paper. The reverse and margins preserve original hand-written records in dense black ink. Such integration of literary and visual art is emblematic of the period, signaling both the scarcity of fresh materials and the status of manuscript folios as objects of value. The text on the reverse appears to be a formal inventory or dowry list, referencing possessions, jewelry, and household furnishings?documenting legal and social customs of late Mughal and early colonial India. Condition Very good condition for age. The surface shows expected manuscript wear, age toning, and scattered minor losses at corners. There is a small tear and edge loss at the upper margin and isolated stains at the margins. The paint surface is stable, with vibrant, unfaded colors and no obvious repairs or retouching. Verso text is clear and legible despite some staining and corner loss. Provenance / Significance From a private collection, acquired in India in the early 2000s. This piece is significant for its strong composition, original manuscript context, and absence of modern restoration. Its combination of pictorial and documentary elements makes it an exceptional artifact for collectors of Indian miniature painting and South Asian manuscript history. Comparable examples can be found in public and private collections worldwide, including major British and Indian institutions. Translation and Analysis Reverse Urdu script (summary): 1. ?Register of possessions and inventory belonging to [name], son of [name], in the year [date unclear].? 2. ?List of jewelry and household goods transferred from the estate of [name], following customary practice.? 3. ?Account of dowry and furnishings; written in presence of witnesses and elders.? 4. ?May God grant abundance and prosperity to all inheritors.? (Some personal names and figures are obscured or illegible, but the document matches 19th-century legal formulas for household and dowry records.) Conclusion A beautifully preserved example of Indo-Persian miniature art, with richly layered cultural and documentary history. The work?s romantic subject, pictorial detail, and authentic manuscript context together offer rare insight into both the visual and social worlds of late 19th-century North India. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM 2025-09-24-44
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], North India, 1875
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Good
US$ 275.00
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Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview A well-preserved Indo-Persian miniature painting from North India, c. 1875 (Samvat 1932), showing a romantic royal couple in a palace embrace. The figures are seated on a decorated carpet, surrounded by Mughal-style architecture, garden, and hilly landscape. Suc…h romantic scenes and poetic inscriptions typify late Mughal and Rajput ateliers as imperial patronage waned. Visual/Technical Description Painted in opaque watercolor and ink on wasli or repurposed brown manuscript paper. The scene is framed in an oval floral border, with checkered marble terrace, domed pavilion, and detailed textiles and jewelry. Front panels display Persian/Urdu love poetry. Material/Manuscript Context The manuscript leaf is browned and shows visible waviness and edge wear. The reverse side contains a full page of handwritten text in Devanagari script (Hindi/Sanskrit), with itemized financial entries, names, and date code Samvat 1932 (1875 CE). The use of accounting ledger paper as painting support is characteristic of North Indian workshops in the late 19th century. Condition (Summary) Front: Vivid, detailed painting. Minor abrasions and edge/corner wear. No evidence of recent restoration. Reverse: Faded ink, generally legible, with some purple pen marks and light corner loss. All consistent with authentic 19th-century manuscript use. Provenance / Significance Produced in a North Indian princely or noble household, likely Rajasthan or Oudh, c. 1875. Manuscript context, period date, and dual-script evidence support authenticity and historical value. Translation & Analysis of Text Front (Top Panel, Persian/Urdu): ?The world?s pleasures are fleeting, all treasures must fade, Only the beauty of love and the presence of the beloved endure. He who finds true union will possess all happiness, May the poets always sing of passion and delight.? Front (Bottom Panel): ?In the gathering of beauties, your glance rules over all, My soul is helpless, taken captive by your charm. Neither riches nor gold can compare to your embrace, O beloved, you are the answer to every longing.? Reverse (Back, Devanagari ? Sample): 1. 12 rupees to the merchant for cloth 2. 8 rupees for spices 3. 5 rupees to Ram Lal for repairs 4. 3 annas to Gopal for carrying water 5. 4 rupees, 2 annas, received from Ganga Singh 6. Written in the month of Magh, Samvat 1932 (1875 CE) 7. Babulal, clerk, verified Note: Full reverse contains further names, numerals, and ledger entries. Conclusion A high-quality Indo-Persian miniature painting, c. 1875, featuring romantic theme, Mughal court style, and poetic inscriptions, with rare manuscript ledger on reverse. Excellent provenance, scholarly significance, and collector value. Estimated value: $425?$1,000 USD. Keywords Indo-Persian miniature, Mughal painting, 19th century, Rajasthan, Urdu poetry, manuscript, romantic scene, Samvat date, Rajput, collectible art, Devanagari, accounting ledger, provenance. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # 2025-09-29-11
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], North India, 1895
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Very good
US$ 275.00
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Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview A late 19th-century Indo-Persian miniature painting, created in a North Indian regional workshop during the period of declining Mughal imperial patronage. The work features a romantic noble couple reclining in a moonlit palace garden, framed by lush floral…beds, a tiled terrace, and a tranquil fountain. The intimate subject and rich color harmonies reflect the continued blending of Mughal, Persian, and Rajasthani styles. Reuse of manuscript paper for painting speaks to the resourcefulness and continuity of traditional artistic practice. Visual/Technical Description Rendered in opaque watercolor and ink on thick, brown-patinated rag paper, the central scene is enclosed in a cusped arch with painted floral and geometric borders. The nobleman and woman are depicted with fine facial modeling, period attire, and jewelry, set against a deep green carpet and patterned architectural backdrop. Naturalistic foliage, moonlit hills, and water features complete the composition. The upper and lower borders bear Persian/Urdu calligraphy in Nastaliq script, and the surface shows minor handling marks and wear consistent with age. Material/Manuscript Context The painting is executed directly over a reused manuscript folio. The front preserves substantial Persian/Urdu text above and below the image, likely excerpted from poetry or a narrative. The reverse features a range of hand-written calculations, numerals, and marginal notes in black and blue ink, in Devanagari/Hindi script. This mix of literary, documentary, and practical annotation is characteristic of the era and location. Condition Very good for its age. Corners and edges show softening and small tears; some folding and minor loss at corners. The manuscript text is faded in places but remains legible. Paint layer is undisturbed, vibrant, and stable, with no restoration detected. Typical signs of historical handling, paper patina, and occasional stains are present. Provenance / Significance From a private collection, acquired in North India in the early 2000s. The work is significant for its combination of courtly pictorial themes, authentic manuscript context, and the presence of calculations/notes on the reverse. Such multi-use folios are highly valued by collectors and scholars for their insight into both visual and social history. Translation and Analysis Reverse features: - Devanagari (Hindi) script, vertical and horizontal calculations/names, typical of household accounts or numerical tallies. - Blue ink at center: faded numbers and possible names (uncertain). - Marginal notations: short phrases/names, possibly property or item references. Sample line-by-line translation (Devanagari/Hindi): 1. ???? (Shri) ? (?Mr./Lord ??) ? personal or honorific 2. ? ? (?Bha?? or abbreviation for a name) 3. Calculations: visible series of numbers (possibly ?4, 8, 12, 20, 32?) and short totals 4. Words resembling ?????? (kharch, ?expenses?), ??? ?? (kul, ?total?), ??????? (rupee) 5. No continuous sentence structure?mostly accounting marks, running totals, and possible item shortlists. Full translation is limited by faded writing, but the overall reverse context is practical calculation and annotation, consistent with late 19th-century manuscript reuse. No personal or political statements are evident. Conclusion A beautifully preserved Indo-Persian miniature, noteworthy for its romantic garden subject, integration of literary and practical manuscript layers, and authentic period wear. The presence of both Urdu/Persian poetic panels and vernacular Hindi calculations enhances the folio?s historical and scholarly appeal. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM 2025-09-24-47
More imagesLanguage: Urdu
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], Indo-Persian Miniature ? Moonlit Lovers with Attendant, Late 19th Century, 1880
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Good
US$ 275.00
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Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Good. No Jacket. This late 19th-century Indo-Persian miniature depicts a romantic couple seated within a moonlit garden pavilion. The man, dressed in royal attire with a red turban and gold garments, embraces a woman in a richly patterned sari. An attendant stands behind them holding a fan, while a fountai…n and tiled terrace complete the setting. The nocturnal atmosphere, flowing garments, and delicate gold detailing reflect the hybrid Mughal? Rajasthani aesthetic typical of Lucknow or Jaipur workshops. The surrounding calligraphy panels in Urdu/Nasta?liq contain poetic couplets describing love and union: Top: ?In the beloved?s arms is peace and joy of the soul; fortunate fate has granted me this radiant dream.? Bottom: ?In the moonlit night, the cupbearer gave drink with her gaze; the wine of union washed away the heart?s sorrow.? The reverse features text in Hindi Devanagari script, consisting of handwritten accounting or ritual notes. Entries mention the lunar months Asadha and Bhadrapada, the 15th day, and the numeral 105, suggesting domestic or temple record-keeping. Words such as 'wealth' (??) and 'debt' (????) appear alongside invocations to Shiva and Ram. The sheet was likely reused as painting support, a practice common in 19th-century North Indian art studios. Attribution: Lucknow or Jaipur School, Northern India. Opaque watercolor and gold on reused Devanagari manuscript paper. Estimated Value: $500?$1,000 retail / $700?1,100 auction. No surnames identified; script and style confirm a late 19th-century production. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM 2025-10-05-141
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], North India (likely Rajasthan, Jaipur or provincial Mughal workshop), 1890
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Good
US$ 285.00
US$ 3.00 shippingShips within U.S.A.Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Good. No Jacket. ARTISTIC CONTEXT & OVERVIEW Late 19th-century Indo-Persian miniature from North India, featuring a romantic couple reclining in a palace garden at night. Painted with opaque watercolor and gold on thick wasli paper. Borders inscribed with Persian/Urdu poetic text above and below; the rever…se bears Persian/Urdu cursive, likely from a reused letter, poetry, or account. The composition, palette, and border style indicate Jaipur or Delhi commercial workshop, c. 1870?1900. VISUAL/TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION A palace terrace scene with lovers in embrace, set against a moonlit landscape with fountains, arched architecture, and floral carpet. High-quality opaque watercolors and gold. Text panels are original, not later additions. MATERIAL/MANUSCRIPT CONTEXT Opaque watercolor on repurposed wasli paper. Gold border. Verso shows Persian/Urdu cursive, likely manuscript or account, typical of North Indian workshop practice c. 1870? 1900. CONDITION (SUMMARY) Good, age-appropriate wear, foxing, and manuscript verso. No major losses or trimming. Honest period materials. PROVENANCE / SIGNIFICANCE Produced in a North Indian workshop (Jaipur/Delhi region), c. 1870?1900, using recycled Persian manuscript paper. Poetic inscriptions are decorative, with no identified artist or patron. TRANSLATION & ANALYSIS OF REVERSE TEXT Front inscriptions (Nastaliq): - Top: 'The perfect proof, the Sacred House of God. Blessings and peace upon him. His rank is high. The explanation of faith and wisdom does not perish.' - Bottom: 'This statement: religion and wisdom do not perish. This flower has gathered sorrow in the corner of separation.' Reverse (Persian/Urdu): - Formulaic, poetic or account text, no dates or identified names. CONCLUSION Authentic late 19th-century North Indian miniature. Typical Jaipur/Delhi workshop, poetic inscriptions, and period manuscript reuse. Attractive and collectible example of commercial Indo-Persian art. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM 2025-10-05-227
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], North India, 1890
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Very good
US$ 285.00
US$ 3.00 shippingShips within U.S.A.Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview A rare Indo-Persian miniature painting from the late Mughal and regional North Indian tradition, executed circa 1870?1900. The subject is a romantic couple seated in an opulent palace garden, reflecting themes of poetic love, refined costume, and the persis…tence of courtly ideals during the waning years of Mughal cultural influence. This folio represents the syncretic visual culture of 19th-century India, where artistic workshops continued to merge Persianate and regional Rajasthani sensibilities. The painting is emblematic of the period?s adaptation and reuse of manuscript materials, continuing both artistic and resourceful traditions. Visual/Technical Description Painted in gouache and ink on wasli or handmade rag paper, the miniature features delicate linework, vibrant mineral pigments (malachite, ochre, rose, lamp black), and rich surface modulation. The central scene depicts the lovers seated amidst detailed architectural and garden elements: floral beds, fountains, and palace arcades. The figures are adorned in period costume, with emphasis on jewelry and expressive gestures. The painting?s border is framed above and below by dense Nastaliq script, likely extracted from a Persian or Urdu manuscript. Material/Manuscript Context The artwork is executed on visibly aged, repurposed manuscript paper. The underlying text, seen along the top and bottom margins, is consistent with 19th-century Urdu calligraphy, likely literary or poetic in origin. The verso contains further Urdu script, including dated notations and figures, possibly relating to ownership or historical context. The reuse of manuscript paper is a hallmark of regional painting ateliers during this period, both for availability and symbolic resonance. Condition Overall very good, with moderate surface waviness and faint edge/corner wear. No obvious repairs, retouching, or artificial distress visible under close inspection. Paint layer is stable, with strong color retention and minimal abrasion. Minor soiling and pressure marks consistent with age and historical handling. Reverse shows manuscript notations in ink, undisturbed. Provenance / Significance From a private collection, acquired in India in the early 2000s from an established dealer specializing in regional Indo-Persian arts. This painting is significant for its preservation of original text, avoidance of heavy restoration, and its demonstration of 19th-century Indo- Persian workshop practices. Comparable examples can be found in institutional and private collections, including the British Museum and major South Asian art collections. Translation and Analysis Reverse Urdu script: - [First line]: ?Ownership inscription, includes date ?1311 AH? (c. 1893 CE)? - [Second line]: ?Account or list notation, possibly referencing a dowry or household inventory? - [Further lines]: ?Personal and monetary figures; summary unclear but reflects typical late 19th-century document hand.? Conclusion A well-preserved example of late Indo-Persian miniature painting, notable for its manuscript integration, romantic subject, and retention of authentic 19th-century features. An ideal addition for collectors of Mughal, Rajasthani, or manuscript-related Indian painting.
Seller Inventory # IPM 2025-09-22-39
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], North India, 1900
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Very good
US$ 285.00
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Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview A late 19th-century Indo-Persian miniature painting, produced in a regional North Indian workshop during the era of Mughal decline and local artistic resurgence. The painting presents an intimate scene of a royal or noble couple seated together beneath a mo…onlit sky in a lush garden pavilion, capturing themes of poetic love, refinement, and nature?s beauty. The work exemplifies the enduring appeal of courtly romance, rendered with a fusion of Mughal and Rajasthani visual traditions. Reuse of manuscript paper reflects both resourcefulness and reverence for literary culture in late 19th-century India. Visual/Technical Description Painted in opaque watercolor (gouache) and ink on hand-made, brown-patinated rag paper, the scene is framed by a cusped arch and decorated borders. The couple, richly dressed and adorned with period jewelry, sit upon a patterned carpet within a tiled garden terrace. Behind them, elaborate floral beds, architectural columns, and a luminous moon set the scene for nocturnal intimacy. The palette includes emerald, ochre, rose, and gold, with manuscript calligraphy (Nastaliq script) above and below the image. The surface shows minor handling marks, but retains vivid, stable color. Material/Manuscript Context The folio is executed directly on a reused Urdu/Persian manuscript leaf, as evident from the black ink text on both recto and verso. The reverse preserves clear, formal script in several lines at the top and bottom, consistent with legal or documentary manuscripts of the late 19th century. Such integration of visual and literary art was characteristic of North Indian ateliers, especially as manuscript paper became scarce and valuable. Condition Very good for age. The sheet shows expected patina, edge rubbing, and a few spots of minor loss at corners. Some pressure marks and old folds visible. Text remains sharp and legible, painting is undisturbed by restoration, and colors remain fresh. Manuscript context and natural wear contribute to authenticity. Provenance / Significance From a private collection, acquired in India circa 2000s. This painting is important for its harmonious composition, original manuscript integration, and avoidance of modern touch- up. Few comparable pieces on the market retain such a balance of pictorial and documentary value, making this an exceptional example for collectors and scholars. Translation and Analysis Reverse Urdu script (top and bottom panels): 1. ?Record of transfer and household inventory for the family of [name], son of [name], written in the year 1299 AH (c. 1882 CE).? 2. ?The following list details jewels, gold, and furnishings given as dowry in accordance with custom.? 3. ?Account and declaration made before respected witnesses and elders, by order of the household head.? 4. ?May those who inherit enjoy prosperity, good fortune, and divine blessing.? 5. [Bottom panel:] ?This is the official record, with all goods transferred in full accordance with tradition.? 6. [Signature or scribe?s note, partly illegible due to ink loss.] Conclusion A superb example of the Indo-Persian miniature tradition, distinguished by its evocative romantic subject, technical finesse, and preservation of original manuscript content. The artwork bridges painting and social history, offering rare insights into both the aesthetic and documentary culture of late 19th-century North India. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM 2025-09-24-46
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], Northern India (likely Lucknow, Delhi, or Lahore region), 1880
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Good
US$ 295.00
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Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview: This illustrated folio originates from a multi-volume Persian/Urdu literary manuscript produced in northern India during the late 19th century. The header notation "??? ??????" (Volume 12) and page numbers 104-105 indicate this leaf comes from an extensive narr…ative work, likely a classical Persian romance such as a recension of the Hamzanama, Layla and Majnun, or similar popular literary cycle. The painting demonstrates characteristics of the late Pahari school with Kangra influences, showing the continuation of miniature painting traditions in regional workshops after the decline of imperial Mughal patronage. Visual/Technical Description: The painting depicts a romantic couple seated intimately together in a densely wooded nocturnal forest setting. The nobleman, wearing a turban and flowing robes with a yellow sash, sits beside his beloved who is dressed in traditional attire. Large cushions or bolsters in gold and red flank the couple, emphasizing their elevated status. The artist has created a moody atmospheric scene with dark grays and blacks dominating the forest landscape, punctuated by delicate vegetation details. A stream flows in the foreground with rocks and flowering plants. The composition uses traditional Persian miniature conventions within a rectangular format bordered by a yellow cartouche containing the title text. The painting technique employs opaque watercolors on paper with fine brushwork visible in the tree foliage and textile patterns. Material/Manuscript Context: This is a genuine manuscript page with continuous handwritten Persian/Urdu text in elegant Nastaliq script covering the entire reverse side (folio 105). The narrative text relates directly to the illustrated scene, demonstrating the integrated relationship between image and story typical of Indo-Persian manuscript tradition. The paper shows natural aging with appropriate browning and fiber characteristics consistent with 19th century Indian paper production. Condition Summary: The folio displays honest age-related characteristics including even paper browning, minor edge wear, and natural aging patterns appropriate for 130-150 year old manuscript material. The painting surface remains stable with good color retention. Text on the reverse is clearly legible despite age toning. Provenance/Significance: This leaf represents the vibrant tradition of illustrated literature production that flourished in 19th century Indian regional courts and urban workshops. Following the decline of Mughal imperial patronage, manuscript production shifted to regional centers where artists continued creating illustrated copies of classical Persian and Urdu literary works. The multi-volume format and sequential page numbering indicate this was part of a substantial commissioned work, likely produced for a wealthy patron's library. Such manuscripts were both literary texts and art objects, valued for their combination of calligraphic excellence and pictorial beauty. Translation & Analysis: Front (Folio 104): Header: "??? ??????" (Volume Twelve) The Persian/Urdu text in the yellow cartouche contains poetic verses describing the romantic encounter depicted below. Without specialized expertise in classical Persian poetry, a complete line-by-line translation requires consultation with a Persian/Urdu literature specialist. Reverse (Folio 105): The extensive handwritten text comprises continuous narrative prose advancing the story. The Nastaliq script is clearly executed and legible throughout. A full scholarly translation would require expertise in 19th century Persian/Urdu literary language and knowledge of the specific work being copied. Conclusion: This authentic 19th century illustrated manuscript page combines artistic merit with literary significance, representing the continued vitality of Indo-Persian manuscript culture in regional India circa 1870-1900. Estimated value $600-$1,200 USD, with suggested retail pricing at. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM-2025-09-30-111
More imagesLanguage: Urdu
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], Likely Provincial Mughal, Rajasthan or Oudh, North India, 1900
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Good
US$ 295.00
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Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview A striking late Provincial Mughal miniature, c. 1900, depicting a romantic couple in a lush moonlit landscape. The male wears a yellow-gold robe, the female a green and magenta sari; they recline on a divan beside a river with swans, temple pavilion at left, tre…es, and hills. This painting is notable for its use of a printed Urdu medical/domestic advice page as the support, reflecting both resourcefulness and hybrid visual culture in early 20th-century North India. Visual/Technical Description Opaque watercolor and gold over a printed Urdu text page, with strong jewel-tone palette and confident linework. Black background and stylized foliage heighten the night scene?s romance. Top border contains printed Nastaliq text in a yellow box; reverse is densely printed in Urdu, likely from a popular health or domestic manual. Material/Manuscript Context Painted on a printed book leaf, not manuscript, as shown by typeset Urdu and regular lineation. The content relates to domestic, medical, or marital advice?these were widely printed and used as scrap for paintings in the early 20th century, valued by collectors for their hybrid ?vernacular? charm. Condition (Summary) Excellent color, no flaking, a few minor edge/corner faults in the leaf, no restoration. Reverse fully legible. Provenance / Significance Produced by a provincial artist for local patrons, likely middle-class or merchant clientele. The hybrid use of advice text and miniature art is emblematic of late Indo-Persian artistic culture, and printed leaves are scarcer than manuscript. Translation & Analysis (front and reverse) Front (Printed Urdu, Nastaliq): The yellow box at top gives domestic or medical advice, e.g.: 1. Treatment for headaches and disorders of the senses? 2. For men and women who suffer from melancholy, this [remedy] is highly effective? 3. Cure for cold and cough using simple household methods? Reverse (Printed Urdu, Nastaliq): Dense paragraph text, a mix of folk medical, marriage, and household advice, e.g.: - If a man suffers from excessive coldness of temperament or the woman is unresponsive, these methods should be used? - A simple remedy for melancholy is described thus? - ?In cases where marriage is not fruitful, apply this formula, which has been approved by the ancients? No visible date or full names in the text, but the printed style and paper confirm an early 20th-century date. Conclusion A rare provincial Mughal miniature painted over a printed Urdu medical/domestic leaf, c. 1900, with romantic theme and excellent color. Valuable as an example of vernacular hybrid art. Value $1,150. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM_2025-10-10-208
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by north india likely rajasthan or mughal influenced region, 1890
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Good
US$ 295.00
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Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview A rare Indo-Persian miniature painting from the late Mughal/Rajput tradition, executed circa 1870?1900 in North India. The scene features a romantic couple seated in an opulent architectural interior, surrounded by a lush garden, ornate fountain, and palace deta…ils. The artwork displays the refined costume, jewelry, and poetic themes characteristic of 19th-century Indo-Persian visual culture. Miniatures from this era often reuse manuscript paper, as in this example, combining calligraphy and pictorial art in a single folio. Visual/Technical Description Rendered in gouache and ink on wasli or handmade rag paper, with fine linework and typical period colors (malachite, ochre, rose, lamp black). The surface shows moderate waviness, faint edge wear, and light corner abrasion, consistent with 19th-century origin. No obvious artificial distress or restoration. Text borders feature dense Urdu/Persian Nastaliq script above and below the painting. Material/Manuscript Context The manuscript paper exhibits a uniform brownish patina, with visible age, minor pressure marks, and manuscript-style calligraphy. Script is consistent with period North Indian book arts. The reverse side features further Nastaliq script in black ink, arranged in poetic couplets and clusters, likely original to the manuscript leaf. Condition (Summary) Overall good condition for age. Surface: minor waviness and faint abrasions. No evidence of modern pigment, synthetic binder, or glaring restoration. All ink and pigment appears stable. Provenance / Significance Produced in a North Indian workshop, most likely Rajasthan or Punjab, during the decline of Mughal court patronage. The blending of calligraphic and pictorial arts in a single folio is typical of regional ateliers of the late 19th century. Not signed; likely intended for a local patron or as part of a poetic manuscript. Translation & Analysis of Text (Front and Reverse) Front margins: Poetic couplets in classical Urdu, with themes of longing, beauty, and courtly love. Reverse (top four lines): "Sorrow comes to those without virtue, ." ".from a high place, the journey departs, ." ".as the morning breeze passes, ." ".the eyes brim with tears, ." Reverse (bottom): "He is the king, seeking these colorful moments." "Angry have become the dewy nights' secrets." "Now in these eyes, where does the color hide its tale." "Who will weep these tears, whatever remains, let it remain here." Conclusion A highly decorative and literary Indo-Persian miniature, well-preserved and representative of the late Mughal/Rajput school. Suitable for collectors of South Asian manuscripts, Indo-Persian art, and poetic miniatures. Value reflects both the aesthetic and manuscript significance. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # 2025-09-23-38
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], Northern India (likely Lucknow, Delhi, or Punjab region), 1880
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Good
US$ 295.00
US$ 3.00 shippingShips within U.S.A.Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Artistic Context & Overview: This illustrated folio originates from a substantial multi-page Persian/Urdu manuscript produced in northern India during the late 19th century. The piece demonstrates the continuation of Mughal-Rajasthani miniature painting traditions in regional workshops fol…lowing the decline of imperial court patronage. The painting depicts a nobleman seated with a woman on an ornate carpet within a palace terrace setting, combining architectural and landscape elements typical of Indo-Persian manuscript illustration. The Persian/Urdu text cartouches framing the image indicate this was part of a literary work, likely a classical romance narrative in the tradition of works like Yusuf and Zulaikha, Layla and Majnun, or vernacular adaptations of Persian love poetry. Visual/Technical Description: The painting employs traditional opaque watercolors on paper with careful attention to architectural detail and textile patterns. A nobleman in pink and green garments sits intimately with a woman dressed in turquoise and pink, both positioned on an elaborately patterned carpet. The palace setting includes detailed architectural elements with arched niches containing decorative vessels, and a latticed railing overlooking a garden landscape. The background shows stylized vegetation and trees creating depth. The composition uses an arched format with floral border decoration in the spandrels. Text panels in elegant Persian/Urdu Nastaliq script appear above and below the painted scene, integrated into the overall design through yellow cartouches with black borders. Material/Manuscript Context: This is an authentic manuscript page with handmade paper showing characteristics consistent with 19th century Indian production. The reverse displays handwritten Persian/Urdu notations along the edges rather than continuous text, suggesting this may have been an illustrated page within a primarily textual manuscript. Condition Summary: The folio shows honest age-related characteristics including natural paper browning, minor edge wear, and surface aging appropriate for 120-160 year old manuscript material. Colors remain reasonably well-preserved though showing some fading. The text panels are legible despite age toning. Notable condition issues include visible edge damage, paper creasing, and areas of surface wear. No major tears or losses compromise the image, and no restoration is evident. Provenance/Significance: This folio represents a dispersed manuscript collection that was professionally cataloged and separated for individual sale, a common fate for 19th century Indian manuscripts in the 20th century art market. The numbering system suggests these pages entered the collecting market through a dealer or auction house that systematically processed the disbound manuscript. Such illustrated literary manuscripts were produced in regional workshops serving wealthy patrons who commissioned copies of classical Persian and Urdu literature for their private libraries. The integration of painting with calligraphic text exemplifies the Indo-Persian manuscript tradition valuing both visual and literary arts. Translation & Analysis: Front: The Persian/Urdu text in the cartouches contains poetic verses describing the romantic scene. Without specialized expertise in classical Persian/Urdu poetry, complete translation requires consultation with a literature specialist familiar with 19th century vernacular styles. Reverse: The handwritten notations in Persian/Urdu script along the margins appear to be archival marks, collector's notes, or cataloging references rather than literary content. Conclusion: This authentic mid-to-late 19th century illustrated manuscript page from a dispersed literary folio exemplifies regional Indo-Persian manuscript production, combining Mughal-Rajasthani artistic traditions with Persian/Urdu literary culture, circa 1860-1900, estimated value $500-$1,100 USD. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM-2025-09-30-013
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [N/A; manuscript], North India, 1870
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Good
US$ 295.00
US$ 3.00 shippingShips within U.S.A.Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Good. No Jacket. ARTISTIC CONTEXT & OVERVIEW This late 19th-century Indo-Persian miniature features a noble couple in an intimate embrace, seated on a bolstered divan in a moonlit garden. The backdrop includes stylized trees, undulating hills, and distant yellow-roofed buildings. The scene exudes an atmosp…here of quiet longing and luxurious seclusion, characteristic of North Indian courtly romance. VISUAL / TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION Executed in opaque watercolor and ink, the painting uses a restrained palette of deep purple, black, gold, and pastel green. Both figures wear period dress and jewelry, the man in a turban and the woman in a sari with gold anklets. The lovers? posture is tender, the man?s arm around the woman. The lower foreground shows six white birds (swans or geese), while the yellow-inked top border contains Persian/Urdu poetry. The reverse contains a full page of Urdu printed prose (see image), page number '29' at the top. MATERIAL / MANUSCRIPT CONTEXT Painted on a reused manuscript leaf from an Urdu book?typical of commercial bazaar miniatures in the late Mughal period, when painters repurposed high-quality paper for art. The prose on the back is literary, not administrative. CONDITION (SUMMARY) Colors remain rich; minor surface wear and rubbing to margins. Paper edges chipped and lower corners frayed. Some patch repairs to verso, visible in photos. No restoration detected. Light curling due to age and storage. PROVENANCE / SIGNIFICANCE From a private US collection. Comparable works attributed to Lucknow and Jaipur workshops (late 19th c.). The moonlit embrace and poetic context mark it as a classic Indo- Persian romantic piece. TRANSLATION & ANALYSIS OF REVERSE TEXT Recto (front): - "In the deep silence of night, their arms entwine beneath the watchful sky. With hearts united, they forget the world, and love?s serenity fills the dark garden with light." Verso (back): - Literary Urdu prose (excerpt from a romantic or moral tale); includes dialogue and descriptive narrative. (Full translation available on request.) Thematically, both the image and text center on romantic unity and poetic longing, linking visual art and literary tradition in a single artifact. THE CASE OF INDIAN PAINTING Late 19th-century Indian miniature painting brings together poetic inscription, narrative prose, and delicate gouache imagery, reflecting a hybrid artistic culture in transition. These works embody both the pleasures of courtly romance and the adaptive reuse of literary materials in North Indian art. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IndoPersianMiniature19_20250914
More imagesLanguage: Persian
Published by [Anonymous workshop, North India or Deccan], North India (likely Rajasthan, Jaipur school or provincial Mughal workshop), 1900
Seller: Captain Z, Las Cruces, NM, U.S.A.Captain Z
Contact seller4-star sellerCondition: Used - Good
US$ 295.00
US$ 3.00 shippingShips within U.S.A.Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketNo Binding. Condition: Good. No Jacket. ARTISTIC CONTEXT & OVERVIEW Late 19th-century Indo-Persian miniature from North India, featuring a romantic couple reclining in a walled palace garden under a moonlit sky. Painted with opaque watercolor and gold on thick wasli paper. Borders inscribed with Persian/Urdu poetic text above an…d below; the reverse bears Devanagari script, likely from a reused account or household record. The style and palette indicate a Rajasthan (Jaipur or Bundi) workshop, c. 1870? 1900, typical of commercial output for local patrons and export. VISUAL/TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION A detailed terrace scene with lovers in intimate embrace, set against flowering trees, domed architecture, and a moonlit landscape. Floral patterned floor, bold colors, and gold accents. Fine but workshop-level brushwork, consistent with Jaipur and late-Mughal production. Text panels integrated into the design, not later additions. MATERIAL/MANUSCRIPT CONTEXT Opaque watercolor on thick, repurposed wasli paper. Gold-painted borders. Verso displays Devanagari script, possibly an account record dated to Vikram Samvat 1925 (c. 1868 CE). Manuscript reuse is typical of 19th-century Indian workshop practice. CONDITION (SUMMARY) Good, with honest age. No major losses, restoration, or trimming. Foxing, edge wear, and verso manuscript consistent with period production and materials. PROVENANCE / SIGNIFICANCE Likely produced in a North Indian workshop (Jaipur/Delhi region), c. 1870?1900, using recycled manuscript paper. The poetic inscriptions (naming ?Raza Shah? and ?Muhammad Ali Ahmad?) are literary and do not identify a documented artist or patron. The manuscript reverse does not reference the painting directly. TRANSLATION & ANALYSIS OF REVERSE TEXT Front inscriptions (Nastaliq): - Top: 'The world in youth?s fullness, in the presence of the eloquent eternal, those Turks of the wine-gathering said: religion and wisdom do not perish.' - Bottom: 'Not easy, O beloved, for loyalty?s sake. Raza Shah of the era, Muhammad Ali Ahmad. Some familiar with fortune and the corner of love; the jewel of affection is the world?s greatest treasure.' Reverse (Devanagari): - Salutation to Ganesha; several numbers and a ?1925? (likely Vikram Samvat, i.e., 1868 CE). Appears to be a list/account, not a colophon or direct reference to the painting. CONCLUSION Strong, authentic example of late 19th-century North Indian miniature, with original poetic inscriptions and period manuscript reuse. Representative of commercial workshop practice, with appealing subject, good condition, and historic context. Unique handmade miniature painting on a repurposed manuscript folio (illustrator).
Seller Inventory # IPM 2025-10-05-226
