Lot 1: ALLAH BUX

ALLAH BUX 1895 - 1978 UNTITLED (KRISHNA) Signed and dated 'allah bux/ 1932' lower right Oil on canvas 60 by 80.5 cm. (23 5/8 by 31¾ in.)

One of the most widely known and revered Hindu Gods is Krishna, worshipped as the eighth reincarnation of Vishnu. In popular mythology, Krishna has performed many miracles and slain many demons. As a youth, he was depicted as a lover, playing the flute to tempt gopis (wives and daughters of the cowherds) into leaving their huts and following Krishna. According to legend, his favorite gopi was the beautiful Radha.

Another fable includes Krishna and a large serpent named Kaliya that had made its home in the Yamuna river. Due to the serpent's poison all the fish, birds, trees and grass surrounding the lake were suffering. Krishna jumped into the lake to disturb the serpent, who rose and started to crush Krishna in a tight coil. Krishna fought the serpent and then banished him to the ocean, forbidding him to ever return.

These colourful anecdotes are depicted in this painting, most notably, Krishna playing the flute, the beautiful gopi Radha and the battle with the serpent Kaliya.