Created in Awadh, c. 1780. Attributed to Mihr Chand’s atelier. Originally part of an album owned by Antoine Polier, later circulated through private collections. Current location is unknown.
Ladies in the zenana during Holi.’ Leaf from an album belonging to Antoine Polier, attributed to Mihr Chand, Awadh, ca. 1780. Made with Opaque Water Colour & Gold on Paper.
This beautiful Awadhi painting shows a scene of luxury, relaxation and close royal connections. In the middle a pavilion looks like it is gently sitting on water making the whole scene feel like an escape from everyday life. The women wearing clothes in shades of saffron rose and lilac are not just celebrating Holi. They are a part of the whole setting. Their movements, music and actions blend with the calmness of the surrounding water, where reflections shine with softness.
What I love most about this painting is how it uses space. Mihr Chand lets your eyes move slowly from the foreground to the distant areas, boats and faint building outlines. This wide landscape does not just create depth. It also makes an atmosphere, a world that is between real royal life and poetic dreams. The flower borders make this feeling even stronger. They surround the scene like a garden book making the geometric shapes softer with beautiful elegance. There are no details here; every part feels balanced, calm and refined.
The painting becomes more, than a festive scene. It shows Awadhs rich cultural world, where joy, nature, music and buildings all come together in perfect harmony.
One of the most striking features of the painting is its decorative floral border. The flowers are painted with extraordinary precision and softness, recalling the naturalistic floral studies that became popular under emperors like Jahangir and Shah Jahan. The border almost competes with the central image itself, transforming the painting into an object of luxury rather than merely a narrative scene. The use of delicate pastel shades, gold detailing, and intricate line work demonstrates the high craftsmanship associated with Mughal ateliers.
