Important Notice

  Lot 20 of 22  

INDIAN MINIATURE PAINTINGS AND WORKS OF ART
24-25 APRIL 2013
Estimate
$10,000 - 12,000
Rs 5,20,000 - 6,24,000


Winning Bid
$10,200
Rs 5,30,400
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)

USD payment only. Why?

DETAILS

A Group of Company School Figurines of Trades People

Tella Poniki Wood treated with a white gesso and polychromed, mounted in a dome glass and wood case

Kondapalli, 19th century

Dome Diameter 15.5 in (38.75 cm)
Kondapalli figurines are renowned for their light weight, vibrant colours and traditional crafting techniques. Themed around mythology, rural life and animals, they are much appreciated for their joyous and realistic expressions.

These figurines show a strong Islamic influence, and their pointed noses are reminiscent of the 17th century Rajasthani style.

The craftsmen of these figurines are known as 'Aryakshatriyas'. It is thought that they migrated from Rajasthan to Kondapalli around the 16th century, bringing with them this traditional art. This 400-years old tradition has passed on from generation to generation with every member of the community taking part in the toy-making activity in the 'Toy Colony' of Kondapalli. A reference to this group of people is also found in the "Brahmanda Purana". This community claims to be the descendant of Muktharishi, who is said to have been endowed with skills in arts and crafts directly by Lord Shiva. These craftsmen claim that the numerous sculptures like the Garuda, Nandi, Simha and the Vahanas in the many temples in Andhra Pradesh were made by their ancestors.

In 1909 the Imperial Gazetteer of India noted, "At Kondapalli there is a special industry-the manufacture of small figures and toys from a light wood which grows on the hills."

Figurines of Trades People

Category: Antiquty