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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2009.202.220
Title
A Sikh Ruler Playing Pachisi (Parcheesi)
Classification
Paintings
Work Type
painting
Date
19th century
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India, Punjab
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/216538

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Opaque watercolor on paper
Dimensions
16.8 x 21 cm (6 5/8 x 8 1/4 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Stuart Cary Welch (by 1973 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum.

Notes:
Object was part of temporary loan to Museum in 1973.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, The Stuart Cary Welch Collection, Gift of Edith I. Welch in memory of Stuart Cary Welch
Accession Year
2009
Object Number
2009.202.220
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
Lying across and on his side on a daybed is a young Sikh ruler. He reaches over to take a game piece from one of the three figures seated on the floor near a Pachisi, popularly known in the West as “Parcheesi”, game board. The ruler has a dark, full bead and wears a red turban, a salmon pink tunic, as well as white trousers with a drawstring. The figures on the floor wear long white scarves and white dhotis, a traditional men’s garment in India that consists of cloth wrapped around the waist and legs. Two of the figures have dark hair and full beards, while one has white hair and a full white beard. An attendant, whose status is signified by his small stature, massages one of the ruler’s feet. He is accompanied by another attendant in white carrying a cup and a flask. The men can be identified as Sikh by the type of turban that they are wearing, which was fashionable amongst Sikhs in the early 19th century.

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be 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