Most Unusual Painting on Marble/Stone FOLDER? India?

When I first noticed this cloth bound folder tucked in a box lot at local auction, I quickly dismissed it for a photo album. I *always* make two passes through the box lots to make sure I didn't miss anything. When I came by it again, I decided to have a look. Much to my surprise, when you open this up it displays a beautiful painting on a marble (crushed stone?) slab about 1/8 inch thick. It measures 6X4 inches. The folder is 9X7 inches.

I've never seen anything like this before. Then again, the amount of knowledge I have when it comes to art can fit inside a cracker jack box cut it half four times.

I am wondering of this was intentionally created like this or if the artwork was lifted off something else and then placed inside this folder?

Whatcha all think?

 

That piece looks familier to me - I have a book devoted to ethnic art of a "certain sort" but I am on my to ZZZZland right now. Will first thing in the am be okay?

 

okaaaaaaaaaaay! So my curiosity got the better of me and I had to check in the volume I have which is devoted to the history of erotic art. It appears that the illustration that you have is one of a series and is depicting the moments just before the illustration in the book.....................in other words, they have moved from first base to a home run..............there is no attribution to the artist, only that the style and content was popular in Northern India in the early 19th century.

In the illustration I have the clothing (what's left of it anyway) is the same, as are the facial features and background, etc., but the colouring is different.

 

Interesting! That's some mighty fine information

 

Unfortunately it doesn't explain the origin of your piece..............not much assistance, I'm afraid. Sorry about that!

 

KamaSutra?

 

Indian erotic art on small slabs of ivory is well known.....here I think No means No... & that's not ivory....so I'd say newish !

 

Key words mughal painting will bring up scads of images and sites. You might be able to find the original this is based on.
The new ones painted on paper or marble are quite pricey on the sites I've just been looking at.

 

Is there any way you can take it out to see the back?????

 

It looks like it's in its original case; these aren't cheap, even the new ones, and a gift case like that would be right for one intended as a present of some kind. Wedding gift maybe, considering the subject matter?

 

the subject matter would lead to a divorce....or stoning..!

 

Aquitaine, it's attached to the back. Most likely glued.

 

I think she's saying he need to go use Scope before he tries to kiss her with his garlic breath.