'Celebrations of Krishna's Birth' Canvas Cloth Print, c.1725

Provenance

In the village of Vraj, musicians play and well-wishers gather to celebrate a birth. Against a bold golden ground, figures in strict profile carry instruments and offer tufts of grass — traditional tokens of blessing. Krishna's adoptive father Nanda, headmaster of the village, receives congratulations while a soldier salutes at his side. The infant has been brought here in secret, away from the evil king Kamsa, whose prophecy foretold his own death at Krishna's hands.

The scene is drawn from the Bhagavata Purana, the foundational Sanskrit text chronicling Krishna's earthly life. The Mankot court, in the Himalayan foothills of northwestern India, rendered the moment with characteristic boldness: saturated ground colour, figures outlined with graphic precision, and an atmosphere of communal joy.

Mankot was one of several distinct hill courts of the Pahari region, each developing its own visual character across the 17th and 18th centuries. The Mankot school's intense palette and directness of figure distinguish it clearly from the more lyrical approach of the Guler or Kangra schools.

Disclaimer:

• The frames shown are for display purposes only and are not included with the artwork.
• As these are made-to-order designer pieces, expect minor colour variations from the displayed artwork.