Unknown
Vibhasa Ragini, Fourth Wife of Megha Raga, Folio from a Ragamala (Garland of Melodies)circa 1775

Not on view

Indian ink drawing on tan paper, two figures embracing on a canopied platform, with a seated attendant, wading bird, and vessels below

Artist or Maker: Unknown
Title: Vibhasa Ragini, Fourth Wife of Megha Raga, Folio from a Ragamala (Garland of Melodies)
Place Made: India, Rajasthan, Bundi
Date Made: circa 1775
Medium: Ink and traces of opaque watercolor on paper
Dimensions: Image: 9 1/8 x 6 1/8 in. (23.18 x 15.56 cm); Sheet: 9 1/2 x 6 3/8 in. (24.13 x 16.19 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Marilyn Walter Grounds
Accession Number: M.79.252.6
Classification: Drawings
Collecting Area: South and Southeast Asian Art
Curatorial Notes: Vibhasa Ragini is the fourth wife of Megha Raga in the predominant ragamala (garland of melodies) classification system generally known as the Rajasthani system. It is a sensual melody associated with the dawn. The melody is envisioned as a pair of lovers in a bedchamber. A principal variant features the idiosyncratic motif of the male shooting a lotus-tipped arrow from a flowered bow of the god of love, Kama. The arrow can be shot at a rooster crowing to announce the dawn in a vain attempt to prolong the amorous night (see M.71.1.41). Or the arrow of love can be shot at the woman to revitalize her after a night of passion. An additional variant, depicted here, depicts the lovers embracing on a bed without the presence of the lotus-arrow. The LACMA lovers are in an octagonal tented pavilion. The nighttime is indicated by the crescent moon in the upper left corner and the lit torches inside the pavilion. Refreshments of fruit and wine for the lovers are arranged beside their bed. Outside the bedchamber, a maidservant dozes by the entrance. Flanking the step, a solitary stork stands in what may be a visual substitute for the rooster.

Unknown
Vibhasa Ragini, Fourth Wife of Megha Raga, Folio from a Ragamala (Garland of Melodies)circa 1775

Not on view

Artist or Maker: Unknown
Title: Vibhasa Ragini, Fourth Wife of Megha Raga, Folio from a Ragamala (Garland of Melodies)
Place Made: India, Rajasthan, Bundi
Date Made: circa 1775
Medium: Ink and traces of opaque watercolor on paper
Dimensions: Image: 9 1/8 x 6 1/8 in. (23.18 x 15.56 cm); Sheet: 9 1/2 x 6 3/8 in. (24.13 x 16.19 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Marilyn Walter Grounds
Accession Number: M.79.252.6
Classification: Drawings
Collecting Area: South and Southeast Asian Art
Curatorial Notes: Vibhasa Ragini is the fourth wife of Megha Raga in the predominant ragamala (garland of melodies) classification system generally known as the Rajasthani system. It is a sensual melody associated with the dawn. The melody is envisioned as a pair of lovers in a bedchamber. A principal variant features the idiosyncratic motif of the male shooting a lotus-tipped arrow from a flowered bow of the god of love, Kama. The arrow can be shot at a rooster crowing to announce the dawn in a vain attempt to prolong the amorous night (see M.71.1.41). Or the arrow of love can be shot at the woman to revitalize her after a night of passion. An additional variant, depicted here, depicts the lovers embracing on a bed without the presence of the lotus-arrow. The LACMA lovers are in an octagonal tented pavilion. The nighttime is indicated by the crescent moon in the upper left corner and the lit torches inside the pavilion. Refreshments of fruit and wine for the lovers are arranged beside their bed. Outside the bedchamber, a maidservant dozes by the entrance. Flanking the step, a solitary stork stands in what may be a visual substitute for the rooster.