Attributed Tira Devi (Indian, b. 1947). Group of two Madhubani folk paintings on paper depicting Hindu deities. One depicting Durga (also known as Devi and Shakti) on a lion. The other depicting Shiva with the snake Vasuki wrapped around the god's neck.

Provenance: From the collection of Frederick and Catherine Asher, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Frederick M. Asher and Catherine E. Asher were prominent scholars in the field of Art History. Both dedicated their lives to the education of students, teaching for many years as professors at the University of Minnesota. They both had a passion for South Asian art, traveling extensively throughout India, Asia, and the Middle East. Selections from their travels and careers as avid art historians are offered in this auction. Their collection includes Indian jewelry, Japanese woodblock prints, an incredible slide collection, and much more.
Each, unframed; height: 15 in x width: 11 1/4 in. Board; height: 16 in x width: 12 in.

Both artworks have bold and bright colors. There are no rips, tears, creases, losses, or visible restorations. Both show some uneveness to the coloration, especially visible in the purple areas. The sheets of both are slightly toned. Both sheets are sealed in a plasticpac: they are on a foamboard sealed underneath plastic wrap. They have not been inspected out of this plastic wrap to protect the artwork. As such, the versos have not been inspected.