Artwork

A 'dobashi' and his wife

A 'dobashi' and his wife, by Unknown, paint, 1805
A 'dobashi' and his wife, by Unknown, paint, 1805

A 'dobashi' and his wife is a paint painting by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1805 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work presents a male figure identified as a dobashi alongside his spouse, positioned on a sun‑lit, sandy terrain.

About this work

Overview

The work presents a male figure identified as a dobashi alongside his spouse, positioned on a sun‑lit, sandy terrain. A few palm silhouettes rise behind them beneath a pale sky, framing the pair in an outdoor setting that emphasizes their attire and accessories.

Subject & Meaning

The central characters are distinguished by their elaborate dress: the woman wears a yellow garment with gold motifs and a green upper layer, while the man is cloaked in a white robe accented by an orange sash and a turban, holding a small object. Their jewelry—earrings and necklaces—highlights a cultural context where such ornamentation signified status or ritual.

Technique & Style

The painter employs a muted palette of soft hues, allowing gentle transitions of light and shadow to create a tranquil atmosphere. Delicate shading defines the folds of the clothing and the texture of the foliage, while the crisp outlines of the figures maintain clarity within the composition.

History & Provenance

This piece belongs to a series of thirty‑six paintings that document various professions, occupations, and traditional costumes. The inclusion of a Kashmir shawl on the male figure suggests an interest in regional textile patterns, and the album format indicates the work was likely intended as a visual record of diverse societal roles.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known