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 yogurt 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:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie's New York, 21 September 2007, lot 318
Price: USD 27,400 or approx. EUR 39,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A Picchvai of the Dana Lila, India, Rajasthan, 19th century
Expert remark: Compare the related motif. Note the size (210 x 173.4 cm)

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie's London, 1 April 2021, lot 68
Price: GBP 21,250 or approx. EUR 26,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: Krishna with the Gopis, Kangra, Punjab Hills, North India, circa 1810
Expert remark: Compare the motif. Note the size (15.2 x 11.8 cm)