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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1984.459
Title
The Sakhi Advises Radha to be Kind to Krishna, folio from a Rasikapriya series
Classification
Manuscripts
Work Type
manuscript folio
Date
c. 1660-1680
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India, Rajasthan, Bundi
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/216181

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
Dimensions
38.5 x 25 cm (15 3/16 x 9 13/16 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Philip Hofer
Accession Year
1984
Object Number
1984.459
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Radha sits in the open terrace of her palace. A female attendant sits directly behind her, while another stands and holds a peacock feather fan above them. A third attendant stands on the far left. Radha’s sakhi (female companion) stands at the entrance of the terrace, bending towards her, hands clasped together. Waiting in the courtyard is Krishna, who wears a large gold crown, a long garland of flowers, a translucent jama (robe), and orange trousers. He is bedecked with necklaces, armlets, bracelets, anklets, and earrings. He holds out a lotus in his right hand. In the foreground are three peacocks. Behind the large brick wall are densely packed trees of various sizes, shapes, and colors. Three white cranes peer out from them. At the top of the painting is a solid yellow block that contains black text written in the Braj language. It states:


[A Sakhi speaks to the Nayika:]

O Sakhi! The maid and the servant cannot speak freely to you. But I have a life-long relationship with you and that is why I will be frank with you. Please speak softly to Krishna as his mind is as fragile as butter. Your words are as hard as wood. I am afraid that this would adversely affect him. (10.12)



The painting is surrounded by thick, red borders.

Publication History

  • Harsha V. Dehejia, Rasikapriya: Ritikavya of Keshavdas in Ateliers of Love, D. K. Printworld (P) Ltd. (New Delhi, India, 2013), p. 270, fig. 10.12: Bundi

Exhibition History

  • 32Q: 2590 South and Southeast Asia, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 04/26/2017 - 11/08/2017

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu