This sandalwood frame, made in South India,
is approximately seventyfive years old.
The Hindu religious mythology has described 10 incarnations of the
Lord Vishnu. They are Fish (Matsya), Tortoise (Kashyap), Boar (Varah),
Man-Lion (Nrusimha), Dwarf (Vamana), Parshuram, Rama, Krishna, Buddhadev
and Kaiki. All these incarnations have been engraved on this Sandalwood
panel on four broad sides. In the upper part, Lord Ram's Court is
depicted with Rama & Sita on throne. Hanuman (the monkey God) is
seen seated at their feet, with folded hands. Likewise, on one side,
younger brother Laxman and others are seen standing. To his right,
monkey warriors, 'Subhat' (brave warriors), as well as sages are seen,
and on the left side ministers, and behind them, musicians are in
attendance. This is the depletion of the scene of Rama's coronation in
Ayodhya, after fourteen years of exile in the forest. Moreover, animals
and birds like deer, lion, swan, sparrows are very nicely interspersed
into flowering- creepers, enhancing the beauty of the frame.
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In the traditional homes of Nawabs and Muslim families, such
functional and attractive wooden screens were specially used to maintain
privacy of the female folk.
If eyes are made. for seeing the Beauty is its own excuse for
being. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
The artist is the lover of Nature; therefore he is her slave
and her master. - Rabindranath Tagore
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