As a Madhubani artist deeply immersed in the traditional art forms of Bihar, I was following the celebration of our rich cultural heritage through the prestigious Islamic & Indian Art auction held by Lyon and Turnbull in London on June 12, 2024. This event featured an exquisite selection of Indian paintings from the esteemed collection of William & Mildred Archer, offering a unique glimpse into the vibrant artistic traditions of our region.
The auction, led by Kristina Sanne, showcased a series of captivating artworks, each narrating its unique story. As someone promoting Madhubani art, I believe this auction is a testament to our traditional art forms' timeless beauty and cultural significance. It is heartening to see the global appreciation for these masterpieces, each piece echoing the rich legacy of Indian artistry
Below are some details of some of the standout paintings from this landmark event; explore their historical and cultural context and reflect on their relevance to contemporary art practices sourced from Lyon and Turnbull's website.
The prestigious Lyon and Turnbull inaugurated their Islamic & Indian Art auction in London, featuring an exquisite selection of Indian paintings from the esteemed collection of William and Mildred Archer. This remarkable auction, led by Kristina Sanne, showcased India's vibrant cultural heritage through a series of captivating artworks, each piece narrating its unique story.
Here's the details of some of the standout paintings that were part of this landmark event sourced from their website https://www.lyonandturnbull.com/auctions/islamic-and-indian-art-12345/lot/90
- Region: Darema Village, Darbhanga District, Bihar, India
- Circa: 1920-30
- Dimensions: 33cm x 24cm (13 in x 9 ½in)
- Medium: Watercolour on paper, mounted
This exquisite painting, adorned in pink, green, and yellow hues, offers a glimpse into the traditional bridal imagery of the Maithil Kayasth community. The artwork was collected by WG Archer in 1934 and is a vivid ‘aide-memoire’ for the murals in the kohbar or marriage chamber, believed to bring prosperity and fertility to the bride and groom. The painting has been previously exhibited and featured in literature, including the Arts Council of Great Britain Touring Exhibition Catalogue (1970) and William Archer’s “India Served and Observed” (1994).
- Region: Darbhanga District, Bihar, India
- Circa: 1920-30
- Dimensions: 33cm x 23cm (13in x 9in)
- Medium: Ink and watercolour on paper, mounted
- Sold for: £882 (Inclusive of Buyer’s Premium)
This charming artwork, inscribed with its place of origin, portrays a bride holding a parrot, symbolizing the beauty and elegance of Maithil brides. The use of vibrant colors and intricate details reflect the rich artistic traditions of the region.
- Region: Darbhanga District, Bihar, India
- Circa: 1920-40
- Dimensions: Each 32.5cm x 40.5cm (12 ½in x 16in)
- Medium: Ink and watercolour on rice paper, mounted
- Sold for: £3,024 (Inclusive of Buyer’s Premium)
These two wall designs, collected from the House of B. Sripat Mallik, are exemplary of the Maithil tradition of decorating the walls of their homes with auspicious and intricate patterns. The use of rice paper and the detailed depiction of motifs highlight the skill and creativity of the Maithil Kayasth women.
- Region: Darema Village, Darbhanga District, Bihar, India
- Circa: 1920-30
- Dimensions: 33cm x 23cm (13in x 9in)
- Medium: Ink and watercolour on paper, mounted
- Sold for: £1,260 (Inclusive of Buyer’s Premium)
This piece, collected from the House of B. Sabhapati Das, is a beautiful representation of a veiled bride with a parrot, painted in vivid pink, green, and yellow. The artwork has been referenced in William and Mildred Archer’s literature, highlighting its significance in their collection.
- Region: Darbhanga District, Bihar, India
- Circa: 1920-30
- Dimensions: 33cm x 23.5cm (13in x 9 ¼in)
- Medium: Ink and watercolour on paper, mounted
- Sold for: £1,386 (Inclusive of Buyer’s Premium)
This painting, inscribed with its place of origin, captures the essence of Maithil bridal art with a bride holding a fish, a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. The vibrant colors and meticulous detailing make it a standout piece in the collection.
- Region: Darbhanga, Bihar, India
- Circa: 1920-40
- Dimensions: 41cm x 40cm (16 1/8in x 15 6/8in)
- Medium: Stamped, red ink on paper
- Sold for: £3,024 (Inclusive of Buyer’s Premium)
This wall design, exhibited in the Arts Council of Great Britain Touring Exhibition Catalogue (1970), depicts auspicious deities, illustrating the Maithil tradition of invoking divine blessings for the household. The intricate design and use of red ink exemplify the artistic excellence of the Maithil Kayasth women.
- Region: Keoti Village, Darbhanga District, Bihar, India
- Circa: 1920-30
- Dimensions: 39.7cm x 31.5cm (14 ¾in x 12 3/8in)
- Medium: Ink and gouache on paper
- Sold for: £2,520 (Inclusive of Buyer’s Premium)
This captivating painting of Krishna holding his flute, inscribed with its place of origin from the House of B. Shiva Shankar Lal, showcases the divine and serene imagery of Krishna in Maithil art. The use of gouache adds depth and vibrancy to the artwork.
- Region: Darema Village, Darbhanga District, Bihar, India
- Circa: 1920-30
- Dimensions: 39.3cm x 31.5cm (15 3/8in x 12 3/8in)
- Medium: Ink on paper, mounted
- Sold for: £1,071 (Inclusive of Buyer’s Premium)
This delicate ink drawing, from the House of B. Bengali Das, portrays a bride with a fan, capturing the elegance and grace of Maithil bridal traditions. The simple yet expressive lines reflect the refined artistry of the region.
Region: Purnea District, Bihar, India
- Circa: 1938
- Dimensions: Each 29cm x 43cm (11 3/8in x 16 7/8in)
- Medium: Gouache on rice paper
- Sold for: £2,520 (Inclusive of Buyer’s Premium)
Collected by the Archers in 1937-38, these brightly painted casket sections are prime examples of the vibrant art produced by the Mali caste. The use of rice paper and bold colors like yellow, magenta, and green make these pieces stand out, reflecting the artistic traditions associated with the festival of the snake goddess, Bishahari.
Region: Purnea District, Bihar, India
- Circa: 1938
- Dimensions: Each 51cm x 35.5cm (20in x 14in)
- Medium: Gouache on rice paper
- Sold for: £2,142 (Inclusive of Buyer’s Premium)
These lantern sections, collected in 1938, exemplify the Mali caste's artistry, with each piece inscribed with details of its origin. The vibrant and intricate designs reflect the cultural richness of the Purnea District.
Region: Purnea District, Bihar, India
- Circa: 1938
- Dimensions: 40.5cm x 26cm (16in x 10 ¼in)
- Medium: Gouache on rice paper
- Sold for: £530 (Inclusive of Buyer’s Premium)
This singular lantern section, mounted and inscribed with its origin, showcases the Mali community's artistic tradition, collected during the Archers' time in Purnea.
Region: Barari Village, Purnea District, Bihar, India
- Circa: 1938
- Dimensions: Each 48.5cm x 33cm (19 1/8in x 13in)
- Medium: Gouache on rice paper
- Sold for: £2,772 (Inclusive of Buyer’s Premium)
These lantern sections, from the village of Barari, reflect the Mali caste's vibrant artistry, collected in 1938. The intricate designs and use of rice paper highlight the cultural heritage of the region.
Region: Purnea District, Bihar, India
- Circa: 1940
- Dimensions: Each 52cm x 38cm (20 ½in x 15in)
- Medium: Gouache on rice paper
- Sold for: £1,638 (Inclusive of Buyer’s Premium)
These four lantern sections, inscribed with details of their origin and collected in 1940, exemplify the Mali caste's artistic traditions, showcasing their bright and intricate designs.
Region: Nathnagar, Bhagalpur District, Bihar, India
- Circa: 1940
- Dimensions: Each
28cm x 18cm (11in x 7in)
- Medium: Gouache on rice paper
- Sold for: £1,386 (Inclusive of Buyer’s Premium)
These casket sections, collected in 1940, depict the vibrant artistry of the Mali caste, highlighting their cultural heritage and intricate designs.
Region: Barari Village, Purnea District, Bihar, India
- Circa: 1938
- Dimensions: 43cm x 30cm (17in x 11 ¾in)
- Medium: Gouache on rice paper
- Sold for: £756 (Inclusive of Buyer’s Premium)
This lantern section, inscribed with details of its origin, showcases the vibrant and intricate designs characteristic of the Mali caste's artistic traditions.
The auction of Indian paintings from the William & Mildred Archer Collection celebrated the rich cultural heritage of India and the artistic excellence of its diverse communities. Each artwork tells a unique story, offering a glimpse into the vibrant traditions and creative expressions of the Maithil Kayasth and Mali communities from Bihar. This landmark event has not only highlighted the significance of preserving and promoting Indian art but also reinforced the enduring legacy of the Archer Collection.
Paintings and Details Courtesy © LYON & TURNBULL
Link: https://www.lyonandturnbull.com/auctions/islamic-and-indian-art-12345/lot/90
My TEDxAmity University Noida Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp_wuTTVSY4
