India
Miniature painting, 'Relaxation'
Rich in Mughal-style artistry, this painting by Narendra K. Soni evidences life in ancient times. A royal couple share a moment of intimacy and relaxation under the last light of day.
Madhubani painting, 'Radha and Krishna Rejoice'
Accompanied by friends, Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha rejoice together. Devendra Kumar Jha portrays the divine couple in a colorful and detailed Madhubani painting. Depicted in blue, Krishna manifests his "cloud complexion.
Miniature painting, 'Mughal Pitcher I'
Marked with ornate artistry, this pitcher is inspired in the customs of the Mughal era and was traditionally used for storing the emperor's wine. N.K. Soni details the pitcher with fine artistry using crushed stones for color and gold leaf for embellishing accents.
Miniature paintings, 'Count the Sheep' (diptych)
Wrapped in heavy coats of wool, adult sheep calmly graze in a country field. N.K. Soni paints two enchanting animal portraits in the style of ancient Rajasthan. Using colors derived from crushed stones, he executes the fine lines by hand using a paintbrush of fine squirrel hair.
Miniature painting, 'Playful Kitten'
Gazing adoringly at his human companion with loving green eyes, this beautiful kitten is a portrait of beauty. N.K. Soni portrays the cat in realistic detail, from the silken angora coat to the bristling whiskers and furry paws.
Madhubani painting, 'Angry Goddess Durga'
Durga, another form of the goddess Kali, rides a lion in this colorful Madhubani painting. In one hand, she holds the head of a demon while in the other she carries spiritual weapons.
Miniature painting, 'Beautiful Vanity'
A young woman waits for her beloved as she checks her beauty in a mirror. She is dressed in the traditional gaghra choli (skirt and scarf) as well as a sari. Nand Kisore extracts color from crushed gemstones to create an impressive palette of hues and tones.
Miniature painting, 'Beauty and the Deer'
Nand Kisore expertly paints a scene of Indian tradition as he extracts color from crushed gemstones. Kisore portrays a beautiful young woman enveloped by a long transparent veil holding a pot in her arms. She is on her way to the nearest well escorted by a loyal deer.
Miniature painting, 'Playful Princess'
Waltzing around the terrace, a girl dances with her pet parrot. She waves a pink lotus blossom as she whirls. Capturing her grace and beauty in crushed stone colors, Nand Kisore paints a nostalgic image from India's Mughal palaces.
Miniature painting, 'Loving Elephants'
An elephant couple walks side by side, intertwining their trunks in a moving gesture of love. They are dressed regally featuring rich accessories on their heads, trunks and legs.