A Collection of Seventeen Miniature Sikh Portraits and Scenes of Delhi

A Collection of Seventeen Miniature Sikh Portraits and Scenes of Delhi, paintings on small ivory panels [Northern India (probably Delhi), 1840-50 AD] 17 free-standing oval ivory panels, two depicting scenes of Delhi temples and the other 15 with portraits of Sikh rulers (from top left: (1) Ranjeet Singh; (2) Nehal Singh; (3) Than Singh; (4) Shere Singh; (5) probably Than Singh; (6) Dhuleep Singh; (7) Tej Singh; (8) probably Kurruk Singh; (9) Dost Mohammed; (10) Ranjeet Singh; (11) Loobab Singh; (12) Chuttur Singh; (13) Jheet Singh; (14) Diwan Dina Nath; (15) Kurruck Singh), ink and watercolour heightened in gold, apparently from different collections as they vary in size and condition, two of these overlaid in glass, a few with small chips to extremities, some light surface soiling, a few darkened with age, smallest 28 by 35mm. the largest 64 by 45mm. T his is a charming collection of miniature portraits of Sikh rulers and scenes of Delhi temples. Such miniature portraits on ivory were made popular by Maharaja Dalip Singh of Punjab (reigned 1843-49), and these may have been produced under his patronage. Other similar collections are held by the British Library, Add. Or. 5680-5694, and have appeared on the market in Christie's, 7 April 2011, lot 291, and 25 April 2013, lot 195.