Antique Postcard British Museum Bagh Caves India Fresco Musician Dancer Festival

2026-05-03T18:04:30-07:00

Price: 19.00

Social History: Step back in time with this rare antique postcard published by the British Museum, featuring a vibrant reproduction of a 5th-century fresco. The scene, titled "Musicians and Dancer at a Festival," is a copy of the ancient wall paintings found in the Bagh Caves of Madhya Pradesh, India.

These Buddhist caves are renowned for their sophisticated murals, which rival the famous Ajanta paintings in artistic skill and historical importance. The image shows a group of female musicians surrounding a dancer, providing a glimpse into the celebratory social life of over 1,500 years ago.

Since many of the original Bagh frescos have severely deteriorated or been lost to time, these museum-published copies from the early 20th century serve as important historical records of the art's original state.

Era: Divided Back Era (c. 1905–1920)

Size: Continental 6" x 4"

Type: Unlike modern glossy cards, this has the distinctive feel and matte finish of early 20th-century lithography

Publisher: The British Museum, printed by Waterlow & Sons Limited, London

Condition: Good antique condition. The card shows minor age-related toning (yellowing) on the back and very slight wear at the corners, which is expected for a card of this age. The image remains clear and colorful.