Central Asia, Nepal, ca. 19th century CE. A fascinating palm paper tantric manuscript of a sacred Hindu text written onto rectangular panels that fold accordion style under a brightly illustrated cover page. The 11 panels are double sided with Nepalese text written in black ink on both sides. The cover sheet illumination contains a vibrant depiction of a multi-arm female deity, likely a form of Durga or Kali, with flanking attendant figures, including the three headed Trimurti. A nude figure kneels before the goddess, their mouth spread open by a pair of hands. The next two panels contain additional seated female deities in flaming arches. Size (folded): 9" L x 4" W (22.9 cm x 10.2 cm); (unfolded): 41" L x 9" W (104.1 cm x 22.9 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection

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#169835

Staining, discoloration, losses to corners and peripheries, and tearing. Text is mostly intact with some minor smudging and fading. Images are vibrant with some smudging and fading.