A Muharram procession, Benares or Patna, circa 1850, gouache on mica, mounted, glazed and framed, 18cm x 24cm Provenance: Private Collection of J.P. Losty (1945-2021), formerly curator of Indian Visual Materials at the British Library; acquired Auction Atrium, 2011This painting depicts a part of a larger Muharram procession in which taziyas (replicas of the tomb of Husain) are carried through public spaces such as streets and villages. The replicas are typically made of paper and bamboo and are lavishly decorated, including representations of Burāq, a mythical creature with a winged animal body and a human face. The taziyas are shown carried by men and accompanied in the procession by elephants and riders and groups of people including soldiers, women, watercarriers and standard bearers. On the completion of the procession the taziyas would typically be buried or submerged in water.Good condition overall