AN INDIAN MINIATURE PAINTING DEPICTING THE DANA LILA North India, Punjab Hills, 19^th century. Watercolors and gold on paper. Krishna wearing a yellow robe and scarf as well as an elaborate crown and adorned with beaded jewelry, holding Radha in his right arm and pulling back the headscarf of another gopi with his left hand, a third gopi standing in the background, all three wearing matkas on their heads. Framed by a blue floral border and pink margin.

Provenance: From a private collection in London, United Kingdom, formed during the 1970s. The reverse with old pen and pencil inventory inscriptions.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, soiling, and creasing, few minuscule losses, possibly microscopic touchups.

Dimensions: Image size 29 x 24 cm

In the Dana Lila, which means ‘Taking of a Toll’, Krishna playfully tips yoghurt from the matka on top of the gopi's head, tentatively identified as Radha, that she and her companions are carrying to the market. This is one of the many different games that Krishna plays to win Radha's attention, and all of the forest animals and celestial couples look on as witnesses to their courtship.

Literature comparison: For another depiction of the Dana Lila, see a painting dated to 160 and attributed to Chamba in the Cleveland Museum of Art, accession number 2018.86.

Auction result comparison: Compare a related picchvai of the Dana Lila (210 x 173.4 cm), dated to the 19^th century, at Christie’s New York in Indian and Southeast Asian Art on 21 September 2007, lot 318, sold for USD 27,400. Compare also a related miniature painting, dated circa 1810 and also attributed to the Punjab Hills, depicting Krishna with the gopis, at Christie’s London in Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds on 1 April 2021, lot 68, sold for GBP 21,250.