Opium smoking scene, illuminated miniature on paper, possibly Kishangarh school [Mughal India, early nineteenth century]

Opium smoking scene, illuminated miniature on paper, possibly Kishangarh school [Mughal India, early nineteenth century]

single leaf, gouache on paper, mounted on gold-speckled card, crease marks along centre from old fold, some slight loss of red pigment from smoking vessels, light finger-soiling, old repairs visible on verso of centre of image and along outer border, ink inscriptions to verso, 330 by 218mm.

Opium first appeared in India in the seventeenth century as a prescription drug, and quickly grew into a common household remedy for stomach problems, chills, malaria and even asthma. By the nineteenth century, its consumption was common throughout the subcontinent, and habitual users employing it as a recreational drug were prevalent throughout the northern and western regions of India. Areas like Gujarat, Rajasthan and central India even used a water and opium solution to serve guests in ceremonies and formal receptions, both at court and at home (F. Dikötter.Narcotic Culture, 2002, p. 20).