Many portraits of courtesans in numerous postures have been painted all along. What sets this painting apart is not only the gorgeous color palette but the way the artist has brilliantly evoked the gentleness of the lady, an expression of absent-minded reverie on her face. She is seated cross-legged on a small carpet. The carpet itself has a bold color combination. She is wearing a long dress that parts at the waist. Beneath that, she wears tight pajamas with multi-colored stripes. The sash at her waist also follows the pattern and color contrast. The diaphanous odhini is held firmly on the head by a small cap. She has a conventional oval face; the eyes are delicately shaped as they gaze in space dreamily. A secret smile plays on her lips and its not difficult to guess her thoughts. The hair is brushed back from the forehead where she wears a 'jhoomar,' a head ornament, concealed partially beneath the cap. She wears elaborate earrings, necklaces and bangles. She holds the wine casket in one hand clasps her foot with the other. The hands and the soles of her feet are delicately dyed in henna. She rests against a simple and sober bolster.
The background is done up in subdued colors and consists of an empty tiled floor. There are niches in the wall containing lamps. On the left side of the painting is a pillar and a deep green curtain tied up neatly. One-quarter of the painting is occupied by a calligraphic text with interesting patterns and bold, spontaneous brushwork and wild color combination, with a liberal use of gold pigment.
This description by Kiranjyot.
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