TWO FOLIOS OF SHAIVITE SAINTS (NATH) AND ACOLYTESJAIPUR, 19TH CENTURY Opaque watercolor and gold on paper. Image: 7 3/8 x 5 3/8 in. (18.7 x 13.7 cm), each approx.; Folio: 9 1/8 x 6 1/2 in. (23.2 x 16.5 cm), each approx. In this pair of paintings, Nath yogis are visited by male and female devotees alike. The Nath tantric sub-tradition of Shaivism was established by Matsyendranath (fl. 11th century) and his successor, Gorakhnath (fl. 12th century CE). Gorakhnath is credited with the invention of Hatha Yoga, the system of yogic postures designed to prepare the body for the rigors of meditation. The sect reveres aplished yogis who have transformed their consciousness and serve as spiritual guides. Provenance: Private New York Collection, by 1972 Thence by descent to the present owner