Composite Camel
Circa 1820 – 1830
India,Marwar
Opaque watercolors and gold on paper
Image: 9 x 7 1/4 in. (22.8 x 18.4 cm.)
Folio: 13 1/4 x 9 1/4 in. (33.6 x 23.5 cm.)
Provenance: Private West Coast Collection acquired 1970’s
Originating from the Islamic world, the composite animal figure eventually migrated east into Indian iconography and became a popular subject in the North. These figures appeared as early as the 16th century in India, constituting a spike in creation of these composites through the 17th century. The composite figure was likely inspired by Buraq, the legendary beast on which Muhammad made his mi’raj (night journey) to paradise as described in the Qur’an. Some scholars speculate that the composite figure comes from animalistic cults that practiced in pre-Islamic Central Asia.
The rider is oftentimes a peri, a supernatural being descended from fallen angels excluded from heaven until they achieve forgiveness from on high. The peri in this composition is shown playing harp, her stunning wings of blue, turquoise, purple, and deep green unfurled behind her. The composite figure shown here takes the form of a camel, made up of four human figures and a variety of animals, including an elephant, a monkey, birds, and lions. The feet are composed of rabbits, a fish serves as the tail, and a snake encircles the face to mimic reins.