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Chandhu La'l

Asian Art

This portrait depicts a courtier who served the nizam (ruler) of Hyderabad in the early nineteenth century. In a composition that was typical of the period, Chandhu Lal is depicted seated on a carpet, surrounded by cushions, and holding a flower, with his sword lying before him. He wears the thin white cotton coat that was standard attire for aristocrats in India, and an impressive turban ornament, or sarpech, with pendant emeralds, probably a gift from the nizam.
CULTURE Indian
MEDIUM Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
  • Place Made: Deccan, India
  • DATES 1875–1900
    DYNASTY Mughal
    DIMENSIONS sheet: 19 11/16 x 11 13/16 in. (50.0 x 30.0 cm) image: 8 1/8 x 5 3/4 in. (20.6 x 14.6 cm)  (show scale)
    INSCRIPTIONS Inscriptions: "Raja Chandhu La'l" in Persian in gold at top of page
    COLLECTIONS Asian Art
    ACCESSION NUMBER 59.206.2
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Philip P. Weisberg
    PROVENANCE Prior to 1959, provenance not yet documented; by December 1959, acquired by Philip P. Weisberg of New York, NY; December 10, 1959, gift of Philip P. Weisberg to the Brooklyn Museum.
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    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Indian. Chandhu La'l, 1875–1900. Opaque watercolor and gold on paper, sheet: 19 11/16 x 11 13/16 in. (50.0 x 30.0 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Philip P. Weisberg, 59.206.2 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 59.206.2_IMLS_PS3.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 59.206.2_IMLS_PS3.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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