[Costume miniatures (talcs) on mica].

Ms. costume miniatures on mica; painted in India, perhaps Benares, in the 19th century.
Decoration: 60 numbered mica sheets with differently costumed, faceless figures and scenes painted on them, cut into octagonal shape; 1 painted portrait on lacquered paper over which the talcs can be laid.
Binding: 19th-century lacquer-painted octagonal papier-mâché box, top and bottom separate, decorated with painted floral arrangements on gold background on outer sides of both halves and inner side of top half, edged with running floral or geometrical designs; full-length semi-nude female figure painted at inner side of bottom half over which mica sheets are laid; kept in folding box of red leather and cloth, lined with green chamois leather, stamped in gold on spine: Talcs Indian 19 cent., signed JPW 1965.