Indian Company School Budgerow Boat with Palanquin on Cabin Roof, Ganges

An original early 19th-century gouache painting on mica – Indian Company School, Budgerow Boat with Palanquin on Cabin Roof, Ganges.

An unusual Indian Company School painting on mica depicting a Budgerow boat, a large river boat used for journeys on the Ganges. This is one of a pair of Patna School boat paintings on mica that we have for sale (see stock number KE-064).

Budgerow boats were heavy, keelless, flat-bottomed houseboats on the Ganges, primarily used for luxury passenger travel for wealthy Indian families or East India Company officials. In the scene depicted, there are numerous crew and staff on board, whilst other figures are seen going about their daily lives on the banks of the river. There is a red palanquin stowed on the cabin roof, to be used to transport the privileged passenger once on land. At the stern is the large steering oar and a white and blue flag, possibly a house flag specific to the passenger.

Indian Company paintings on mica are rare; it is estimated that as of now, there are only around 7,000 mica paintings available in the world. This painting being a boat subject is particularly rare.

The mica is loose with no mount or backing.