Rama and Sita Being Taken to the Priest to Fix the Wedding Date (Page from the Ramayana) [Tales of God Rama]

 

Rama and Sita Being Taken to the Priest to Fix the Wedding Date (Page from the Ramayana) [Tales of God Rama]

Publication Date: c. 1700-1710

Usage: CC0 1.0 Universal

Topics: Indian and Southeast Asian Art

Rama and Sita Being Taken to the Priest to Fix the Wedding Date; page from the Ramayana (Tales of God Rama), c. 1700-1710. India, Pahari Hills, Kulu, Shangri Style IV, 18th century. Ink and color on paper; image: 18.5 x 28.7 cm (7 5/16 x 11 5/16 in.); overall: 20 x 30.4 cm (7 7/8 x 11 15/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Norman O. Stone and Ella A. Stone Memorial Fund 2002.6

This painting represents an illustration of the famous Ramayana epic which recounts the story of Rama, a mortal and an ideal ruler who eventually became deified as an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. The scene shows Rama and his consort, Sita, in front of a straw hut, accompanied by four female attendants, as they make their way to see a priest to set their wedding date. This series is known as the "Shangri" set, which takes its name from the place of residence of the Kulu royal family. Originally the set consisted of approximately 270 miniatures and was divided into four distinct groups. This painting represents Style III, characterized by a sparse composition with the figures and objects crisply delineated against a solid yellow background.

• Credit: Norman O. Stone and Ella A. Stone Memorial Fund
• Culture: India, Pahari Hills, Kulu, Shangri Style IV, 18th century
• Dimensions Image: 18.5 x 28.7 cm (7 5/16 x 11 5/16 in.); Overall: 20 x 30.4 cm (7 7/8 x 11 15/16 in.)
• Medium: ink and color on paper