Postcard

Another painted postcard by the Anglo-Indian artist Frank Clinger Scallan (1870-1950) whose Kolkata series of nearly a dozen postcards reflects the pleasures of life in what was British India's largest metropolis.

A very early postcard printed in India, most likely by The Ravi Varma Press and drawn by its chief lithographer Paul Gerhardt.

[Original caption] Entrance of Elephanta Caves. The caves are to be found on the Island of Elephanta which is situated about 6 miles from Bombay and are entered by a good flight of stone steps, constructed in 1854 at a cost of Rs.

A fine example of hand-tinting and documentation on a postcard. Note how the barber's entire work kit is proudly displayed at the bottom of the image, all of which fits into a leather satchel.