Kurma avatara (the Tortoise) Inscribed above in nagari: Kurma 222 by 153 mm; page 333 by 248 mm Gods and demons churn the ocean with the serpent Vasuki and Mount Mandara. Vishnu is seated above.
Rama avatar. Inscribed above in nagari:’ Rama.’ 220 by 153 mm; page 333 by 248 mm. Hanuman stands before Rama who is sitting on a hillock with Sita and Lakshmana.
Narasimha avatar (the Man-lion). Inscribed above in nagari:’ Narasimha.’ 222 by 151 mm; page 333 by 248 mm. The lion-headed Visnu emerges from a stone pillar to disembowel the blasphemous Hiranyakasipu. Prahlada stands by with head averted.
Kalki avatar (the White Horse). Inscribed above in nagari:’ Kalki.’ 221 by 153 mm; page 333 by 248 mm. Kalki sits on a silver throne holding a fly-whisk over his shoulder, while the white horse stands behind with legs and belly painted red as a symbol of victory.
Varaha avatar (the Boar). 221 by 154 mm; page 333 by 248 mm. Visnu, boar-headed, balances the world on his tusks. Standing in reverence on either side are Garuda, Jambavat, Brahma, Siva and Indra. Hiranyaksha lies conquered in the waters below.
Vamana avatar (the Dwarf). 223 by 151 mm; page 333 by 248 mm. Visnu in his dwarf form completes the strides which carry him to the upper region where four figures pour the Ganges from water-pots. One of four wrestlers clings to Visnu’s foot, but the other three have fallen beneath. Bali watc...
J.48,1, 6, 8 and 9 Four illustrations of the avatar’s’ of Visnu. Commissioned by Richard Johnson, Lucknow, c.1780-82. Richard Johnson Collection. Pur ...
Scope & Content:
J.48,1, 6, 8 and 9 Four illustrations of the avatar’s’ of Visnu. Commissioned by Richard Johnson, Lucknow, c.1780-82. Richard Johnson Collection. Purchased 1807. Persian descriptions of the subjects on the reverse of each album page. Coloured drawings; on album pages with gilt-sprinkled ma...
