AN INDIAN MINIATURE PAINTING OF NOBLE LADIES DRINKING WINE IN A GARDEN North India, Rajasthan, 18^th to early 19^th century. Watercolors and gold on paper. Depicting three courtly ladies on a terrace in a densely lush garden, drinking wine out of small cups and eating fruits, a small low table with various vessels to one side, a fountain and flowers below them. The ladies are dressed in fine robes, each with colorful skirt and a diaphanous top (ghagra choli), and elaborate beaded jewelry.

Provenance: From an English private collection.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, soiling, staining, few minuscule losses, possibly microscopic touchups.

Dimensions: Image size 22 x 18 cm. Total size 41 x 33 cm (including frame). Mounted and framed behind glass.

Auction result comparison: Compare a related painting by Issa Son of Ahmad, dated 1766 AD, depicting two ladies on a terrace, at Christie’s in The India Sale on 15 December 2015, lot 104, sold for INR 687,500 (approx. EUR 8,195). Compare a related painting dated to the early 19^th century, depicting bathing ladies, at Christie’s London in Garden of Epics – A Private Collection of Indian Paintings on 10 June 2013, lot 26, sold for GBP 13,750. Compare a related Mughal painting, dated circa 1650, depicting two women drinking tea and eating fruits, at Christie’s London in Islamic and Oriental Works of Art on 13 April 2000, lot 288, sold for GBP 4,700.