Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Hindu Priestly Assembly – Poutchari of Maarraami, Engraving, 1806

$259.83
£195.61
€220
CA$357.94
A$400.87
CHF 209.17
MX$4,896.40
NOK 2,661.19
SEK 2,508.49
DKK 1,674.67

About the Item

Hindu Priestly Assembly – Poutchari of Maarraami, Engraving, 1806 This detailed engraving titled Poutchari de Maarraami depicts a group of Hindu priests or temple functionaries seated in ritual formation, possibly in the midst of a ceremonial or liturgical assembly. The central figure raises a cymbal in the air, while others around him hold bells, fans, or other ritual implements. The group is seated cross-legged on a large mat, surrounded by small objects that may be offerings, ritual tools, or symbolic items arranged for a puja (worship ceremony). Set against the backdrop of a South Indian temple complex, complete with colonnades and a domed hall, the scene conveys the formality and solemnity of structured religious life. The figures are dressed in simple cloths and turbans, typical of priestly attire in Tamil Nadu or surrounding regions. The term *Poutchari* may refer to a religious function or title, while *Maarraami* likely identifies a temple or religious sect. The print is based on observations by Pierre Sonnerat (1745–1814), a French naturalist and explorer who traveled through southern India in the late 18th century. The engraving was executed by Jean-Baptiste-Marie Poisson (1747–1820) and was published in the 1806 edition of *Voyage aux Indes Orientales et à la Chine*. This work aimed to document the customs, professions, and spiritual practices of the regions Sonnerat visited. This engraving offers valuable insight into the religious and social organization of temple life in South India during the colonial period. Its ethnographic accuracy and fine artistic rendering make it a significant item for collectors of South Asian studies, religious art, and early travel illustration. Condition report: Good condition. Central fold as issued, with minor age-related toning and scattered foxing, especially toward the margins. Strong plate impression with good contrast and detail. Framing tips: Display in a simple dark frame with a warm cream or ivory mat to emphasize the architectural depth and ceremonial focus of the composition. Technique: Engraving Maker: J.-B.-M. Poisson after Pierre Sonnerat, Paris, 1806
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11.23 in (28.5 cm)Width: 15.36 in (39 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1806
  • Condition:
    Good condition. Central fold as issued, with minor age-related toning and scattered foxing, especially toward the margins. Strong plate impression with good contrast and detail.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13429-761stDibs: LU3054346092742

More From This Seller

View All
Hindu Funeral Ceremony – Vaishnavite Rites, Sonnerat Engraving, Paris 1806
Located in Langweer, NL
Hindu Funeral Ceremony – Vaishnavite Rites, Sonnerat Engraving, Paris 1806 This powerful engraving titled *Funérailles des Indiens de la secte de Vichenou* (Funeral of the Indians o...
Category

Antique Early 1800s Prints

Materials

Paper

Indian Guru Teaching Disciples – Sonnerat Engraving, Enlightenment Era, 1806
Located in Langweer, NL
Indian Guru Teaching Disciples – Sonnerat Engraving, Enlightenment Era, 1806 This engaging engraving titled "Gourou parlant à ses disciples" (Guru speaking to his disciples) is plat...
Category

Antique Early 1800s Prints

Materials

Paper

Hindu Fire-Walking Ceremony in Honor of Dharma Raja – Engraving, 1806
Located in Langweer, NL
Hindu Fire-Walking Ceremony in Honor of Dharma Raja – Engraving, 1806 This antique engraving, titled “Fête du Feu, en l’Honneur de Dharma Raja et de Drobédé,” depicts a traditional ...
Category

Antique Early 1800s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Vaishnavite Brahmin from India – Sonnerat Engraving, Paris Edition, 1806
Located in Langweer, NL
Vaishnavite Brahmin from India – Sonnerat Engraving, Paris Edition, 1806 This finely engraved plate titled *Brame de la Secte de Vichenou* (Brahmin of the Sect of Vishnu) is plate n...
Category

Antique Early 1800s Prints

Materials

Paper

Indian Penitent with Ritual Implements – Engraving after Sonnerat, 1806
Located in Langweer, NL
Indian Penitent with Ritual Implements – Engraving after Sonnerat, 1806 This striking antique engraving titled Pénitent Indien (Indian Penitent) portrays a barefoot ascetic figure s...
Category

Antique Early 1800s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Hindu Couple with Ritual Implements – Poutchari of Darma Raja, 1806
Located in Langweer, NL
Hindu Couple with Ritual Implements – Poutchari of Darma Raja, 1806 This antique engraving titled Poutchari de Darma-Raja presents an intimate scene of a Hindu couple seated on the ...
Category

Antique Early 1800s French Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Uses and Customs - Indian Rajah - Lithograph - 1862
Located in Roma, IT
Uses and Customs - Indian Rajah is a lithograph on paper realized in 1862. The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe: " History of the gov...
Category

1860s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Customs - Rajput - Lithograph - 1862
Located in Roma, IT
Customs - Rajput is a Hand-colored lithograph on paper realized in 1862. Titled on the lower. The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe :...
Category

1860s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Siva, Visnu, Brama - Indian Costumes - Lithograph - 1862
Located in Roma, IT
Siva, Visnu, Brama - Indian Costumes   is a Hand-colored lithograph on paper realized in 1862. The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe: ...
Category

1860s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Uses and Customs - Indian - Lithograph - 1862
Located in Roma, IT
Uses and Customs - Indian is a lithograph on paper realized in 1862. The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe: " History of the governmen...
Category

1860s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Uses and Customs - Indian - Lithograph - 1862
Located in Roma, IT
Uses and Customs - Indian is a lithograph on paper realized in 1862. The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe: " History of the governmen...
Category

1860s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Ancient View of Benares - Original Lithograph - Early 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Ancient View of Benares in Bengalen is an original modern artwork realized in the first half of the 19th Century. Original B/W Lithograph on Ivory Paper. Inscripted on the lower m...
Category

Early 19th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph