An Indian Mughal or Rajput Parcel-Gilt Silver Water Syringe for Holi (Pichkari), Late 18th Or Early 19th Century

Stuart Cary Welch Collection Part II, Sotheby's, London, 31 May 2011, Lot 99

Sahibs, Memsahibs and Maharajas: Indian Art Under British Rule 1765-1880, Harvard Art Museums, 1989

Sprinklers of colored water are used in Holi, the ancient Hindu Festival of Colors, celebrating love and spring. It takes place in March, marking the arrival of spring in India and the triumph of good over evil. Large pyres are lit the night before, and during the day the streets are turned red, green, and yellow. Water guns squirt colored water and balloons filled with colored water are flung from rooftops at passers-by. This practice can be seen in an Awadh watercolour, dated 1764, once in the collection of David Fullerton, Replica Shoes 's, London, 21 May 2011, lot 110.