The Celestial Chariot (6124515635)

Series Title: Rama's Journey Suite Name: Ramayana Media & Support: Opaque watercolor and gold on paper Creation Date: ca. 1650 Creation Place/Subject: India State-Province: Himachal Pradesh Court: Mandi (possibly) School: Pahari Display Dimensions: 17 1/8 in. x 13 7/32 in. (43.5 cm x 33.6 cm) Credit Line: Edwin Binney 3rd Collection Accession Number: 1990.1121 Collection: <a href="http://www.sdmart.org/art/our-collection/asian-art" rel="nofollow">The San Diego Museum of Art</a> Label Copy: Towards the end of the Ramayana Rama has rescued Sita from Ravana's clutches in Lanka. A bridge has been built from Lanka across the water back to the mainland to let Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana return home to Ayodhya. In the painting the residents of Lanka bid goodbye to the monkeys and bears, who helped in the battle to rescue Sita. In the airborne palace filled with these curious beasts Rama and Sita look out from the top floor. Rama and Lakshman confer with the leaders of the animal army. This set of Ramayana illustrations are among the earliest and most impressive narrative paintings from the Panjab Hills. Strongly based in the imperial Mughal style the quality of execution and finish as well