Artwork
Ceremony of mourning in the Imambara, Lucknow

Ceremony of mourning in the Imambara, Lucknow is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1810 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. A watercolour painting depicting a mourning ceremony in the Imambara, Lucknow, is part of a larger series of artworks.
About this work
Overview
A watercolour painting depicting a mourning ceremony in the Imambara, Lucknow, is part of a larger series of artworks.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows the Ashura ceremony, a ritual mourning for Hasan and Husain, with participants seated or standing in a dimly lit room. A central figure holds a staff, and a dome-shaped structure is visible in the background, conveying a somber atmosphere.
Technique & Style
Soft lighting and shadows create depth in the composition, capturing the quiet, serious mood of the gathering. The use of watercolour allows for subtle nuances in tone and texture.
History & Provenance
The painting was acquired in 1887 from Mr. T. Toon of Leicester Square as part of a 49-painting series titled 'Views in India', with documented provenance in the museum's records following a 2023 research project.
Artist & collection



















