These are wonderful vintage original Indian postcards from Udaipur in Northern India that have a lovely original painting on the front. Looking for a unique gift? These little paintings make truly unique gifts for women or men. Mixed set of 5 - each card is unique. They are created from original vintage Indian postcards which have been upcycled by the famed Udaipuri artists as a canvas' for their outstanding centuries-old traditional Indian miniature paintings skills (see below for a full description).

The level of detail is exceptional with some of the elements painted with a single bristle paintbrush. The photo shows a selection of the types of postcards available - however on ordering Scaramanga will randomly select an individual postcard that may not be one of the ones shown in the photo.

Currently, you are likely to receive a mischievous monkey, elegant elephant, colourful camel, holy cow and parading peacock.

Size: W14cm x H8.5cm.

Note: These postcards are authentic old postcards. They may have small marks, tears and missing corners on them, which are consistent with their age and original use. We feel these add to their character and appeal. Please look at the photos to get a general idea of their condition. The background of Indian Miniature painting: Miniatures are intricate, small, colourful handmade folk paintings, created with very precise and delicate brushwork. The colours used in the miniatures are derived from minerals, vegetables, precious stones, indigo, conch shells, pure gold and silver. Some of the noted miniature schools include those of the Mughals, Rajputs and Deccan.

The paintings recreate historical episodes or tales of mythology in schools that have come to be identified with the different kingdoms that merged in Rajasthan and wider India. Fine brush strokes signify miniatures from Jaipur and Udaipur, the Bundi and Kotah kalams are known for their scenes of battle and of shikar (hunts) while the Kishangarh School does portraits with Radha-Krishna as the principal characters. Rajput painting evolved and flourished during the 18th century in the royal courts of Rajputana, India. Each Rajput kingdom evolved a distinct style, but with certain common features. Rajput paintings depict a number of themes, events of epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Krishna's life, beautiful landscapes, and human figures.

Mughal painting is a particular style, which is generally confined to miniature book illustrations, emerged and developed during the Mughal Empire (16th -19th centuries). Mughal paintings include portraits, events and scenes from royal court life, wildlife and hunting scenes, and illustrations of epic battles. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London has a large and remarkable collection of Mughal paintings. Today many schools of miniature painting thrive in Rajasthan. These include the Mewar or Udaipur school, the Bundi school, the Kishangarh school, the Bikaner school, the Jaipur school and the Alwar school.