Opaque watercolor, tin, and gold on cotton, probably handwoven
Dimensions:
H x W (Largest Dimensions): 220.9 × 228.2 cm (87 × 89 7/8 in)
Type:
Painting
Origin:
Nathadwara, Rajasthan state, India
Date:
early 20th century
Provenance:
After 1969-1992
Karl B. Mann, method of acquisition unknown in India [1]
From 1992
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, gift of Karl B. Mann [2]
Notes:
[1] Karl B. Mann began collecting temple hangings during his first trip to India in 1969 to acquire objects as part of his work as an interior designer and supplier to other dealers in New York, NY. By 1973, Mann had returned to India nine times to expand his collection. If Mann traveled to India after 1973 is unknown. See untitled memo from Carol Bolon, dated June 26, 1992, copy in object file. See also Lillian Jackson Braun, “A Little Bit of India for Your Walls” [newspaper article], (Detroit: Detroit Free Press, January 15, 1973), p. 2C, copy in object file. See also Genevieve Fernandez, “Prestigious Art: Designers Lead the Way” [newspaper article], (Atlanta: The Atlanta Constitution, June 2, 1974), p. G7, copy in object file. See also Barbara Bradford, “Eclectic Look Shows Off Art’s Beauty” [newspaper article], (Chicago: Chicago Tribune, November 30, 1974), p. 1B-4, copy in object file.
Karl B. Mann is a Chicago-born artist and former interior designer who resides in New York, NY since 1948. Through his work, Mann investigates the subtle art of collage and assemblage for over fifty years. In 1958, Mann founded the international interior design company Karl Mann Associates, which had locations in New York City and fourteen other cities across the United States. The company supplied buyers with an eclectic mix of modern furniture, art, and antiques. Mann sold the company in 1984 to pursue his art.
[2] See memo titled “New Objects in Gallery,” from Kelly Welch to Milo Beach, dated June 11, 1992, copy in object file. The object was transferred from Karl B. Mann to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery for acquisition consideration on June 11, 1992.
See also Arthur M. Sackler, “Acquisition Consideration Form,” approved on June 26, 1992, copy in object file.
See also “Deed of Gift to the Arthur M. Sacker Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution,” dated July 15, 1992, copy in object file.
Research updated July 17, 2023
Collection:
National Museum of Asian Art Collection
Exhibition History:
Delighting Krishna: Paintings of the Child-God (March 15 to August 24, 2025)
Gates of the Lord: The Tradition of Krishna Paintings (September 13, 2015 to January 3, 2016)
