Bidspirit auction | BALWANT SINGH PAINTING GURU GOVIND

BALWANT SINGH PAINTING GURU GOVIND SEATED WITH DEVOTEES - Balwant Singh (Punjab, second half of the 20th Century), an oil on canvas laid down on board painting depicting Guru Gobind Singh seated with devotees, Mata Gujri, and the Sahibzade. Punjab, India, circa 1950–1970. Signed lower right, Balwant Singh; further signed on verso, Balwant Singh, Ch. Chiragali, Roulawala, Amritsar. Provenance: Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, Sale 27409, Lot 235 (5 June 2024). This finely executed devotional painting presents Guru Gobind Singh, the Tenth Sikh Guru, enthroned in royal regalia with his falcon and martial accoutrements, accompanied by a richly symbolic gathering of key figures in Sikh history. In the foreground, Mata Gujri Ji is shown blessing the younger Sahibzade, while the elder Sahibzade appear to the rear, fully armed, embodying the emerging Khalsa spirit. At the right, Mata Sundari or Mata Sahib Kaur stands in reverence. An inset portrait of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji presides above the scene, linking the martyred Ninth Guru to the legacy of the Tenth. The work is characteristic of Balwant Singh’s Amritsar atelier, noted for its luminous palette, elaborate textile rendering, and devotional iconography that later circulated widely through lithographic prints. This canvas is an original, not a reproduction, and retains vibrant, unfaded pigments. Gurmukhi inscriptions include “ਦਸਮੇਸ਼ ਪਿਤਾ ਦਰਸ਼ਨ” (“Vision of the Tenth Master”) and “ਝਾੳਮੇ ਦੀ ਮਾਲਾ” (“Garland of Flowers”). An exceptional and desirable example of mid-20th century Sikh devotional art, rare in this size and level of detail. One of a kind artwork. Indian Art, Religious Paintings And Art Collectibles. THIS LOT QUALIFIES FOR A 30-DAY UNCONDITIONAL RETURN FROM THE DATE OF SALE. BUYERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR RETURN SHIPPING. Dimensions Length 30in, Height 23in, Width 1in Condition Condition:The painting remains in very good, original, unframed condition. Stable craquelure consistent with age; no structural tears or repairs. The reverse retains its original teal ground and bears intact Bonhams catalogue labels.An exceptional and desirable example of mid-20th century Sikh devotional art, rare in this size and level of detail.