A Painted Indian Storytelling Shrine Depicting Vishnu, Rama, and Krishna
Early 20th century; Portable painted wooden storytelling shrine from India, traditionally used by a bhat (itinerant storyteller). The folding panels and doors are decorated with approximately seventy narrative scenes relating to Vishnu and his incarnations.The outer doors depict Vishnu reclining on the serpent Shesha. Opening the first flap reveals scenes from the Ramayana, centered on Rama as an incarnation of Vishnu. The second flap presents episodes from the Bhagavata Purana, including the life of Krishna.The innermost doors open to a painted panel of Sita beneath an umbrella, attended by Rama and Lakshmana. A vibrant example of mid-20th-century Indian folk devotional art, created for teaching and reciting sacred epics.Height approx. 12.5 inches; Open length: 28 inches. Thickness: 5.5 inches.
Condition
Wear, surface abrasions, paint losses, and cracking consistent with age and use. Areas of flaking and rubbing to pigments. Hinges with old replacements and some looseness to folding panels. Wood with age-related splits and oxidation. Minor structural instability in places. Overall presents well as a traditional folk storytelling shrine. Sold as shown.
Early 20th century; Portable painted wooden storytelling shrine from India, traditionally used by a bhat (itinerant storyteller). The folding panels and doors are decorated with approximately seventy narrative scenes relating to Vishnu and his incarnations.The outer doors depict Vishnu reclining on the serpent Shesha. Opening the first flap reveals scenes from the Ramayana, centered on Rama as an incarnation of Vishnu. The second flap presents episodes from the Bhagavata Purana, including the life of Krishna.The innermost doors open to a painted panel of Sita beneath an umbrella, attended by Rama and Lakshmana. A vibrant example of mid-20th-century Indian folk devotional art, created for teaching and reciting sacred epics.Height approx. 12.5 inches; Open length: 28 inches. Thickness: 5.5 inches.
Condition
Wear, surface abrasions, paint losses, and cracking consistent with age and use. Areas of flaking and rubbing to pigments. Hinges with old replacements and some looseness to folding panels. Wood with age-related splits and oxidation. Minor structural instability in places. Overall presents well as a traditional folk storytelling shrine. Sold as shown.
