Hanuman Brings the Mountain of Healing Plants; Rama Extracts the Arrow from Lakshmana as Hanuman and a Bear Prepare to Treat Him (recto), from a Romance of Chandrabhanu and Lavanyavati of Upendra Bhanja (Indian, died 1740)

Carved in low relief, the artist employed shallow incisions to produce subtle chiaroscuro, allowing light to accentuate raised surfaces and create a sense of depth. Dark outlines define the intricate foliage, figures and structures against a pale background, enabling the viewer to discern individual leaves and architectural details. The meticulous linear rendering reflects a tradition of narrative woodwork that blends pictorial storytelling with sculptural texture.

The piece originates from the Indian subcontinent and is attributed to the late period of Upendra Bhanja, who died in 1740. It likely formed part of a larger illustrated manuscript or devotional object, though its exact original context remains undocumented. The relief has since entered a museum collection, where it is displayed as an example of 18th‑century narrative carving.

During the 18th century, Indian artists frequently illustrated epic romances and mythological episodes on portable media such as wood panels, catering to both courtly patrons and devotional audiences. The inclusion of Hanuman, Rama and Lakshmana links the work to the broader Ramayana tradition, while the specific reference to Chandrabhanu and Lavanyavati reflects regional literary adaptations that blended classical motifs with local storytelling.