Mastani Of Bhaji Rao 18Th Century Reverse Glass Painting

Gouache on hand blown glass in original carved wooden frame 30.5cm x 24.5cm. China circa 1750

Superb and very rare early reverse glass painting, most likely of the legendary Kutch Princess, Mastani. A beautiful and ethereal portrait on a soft blue ground that has acquired a lovely patina, adding a wealth of texture and interest. The carved frame has, unusually, been backed with sheet metal which is riveted to the frame and appears to be original to the piece. The glass, with its air bubbles and soft ripples across the surface, was hand blown in Europe before being sent to China where the painting was commissioned by visiting Indian dignitaries.

The palace at Aina Mahal in Kutch has several similar reverse glass portraits in it’s collection, with the subject being attributed as “Mastani, Famous Dancer at Bhaji Rao Court”.  According to the palace museum, businessmen from Kutch traveled to China in the 18th century and brought back the first examples of reverse glass painting, presenting them to the Rao (Rao Lakhpatji), later commissioning portraits and mythological scenes. Mastani, who died a year before Rao Lakhpatji began  his reign, would have been a natural subject.

Well represented in Indian novels and cinema, Mastani has been the subject of both admiration and controversy. Though her story is a little too complex to relate in this context, she was known to be skilled in arts, literature and warfare (as well as being a legendary dancer). A strategist both on the field and at home, she was also trained in close combat.

Condition: Excellent condition. The blue ground is heavily patinated, possibly from oxidisation, though there is no sign of flaking or physical loss of paint, just variations in tone. The glass is free from damage, with air bubbles and subtle surface ripples from manufacture. The frame shows age related wear, as apparent in the images, but remains solid and robust with no structural issues.

See Bonhams Islamic and Indian Art 23 May 2023 Lot 168 for a similar example

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