Vintage Indian Hindu Lithograph Print: Datta Tray God of Yoga (14” x 9.875”)

This print depicts Datta Tray, or Lord Dattatreya, who is considered a monk and one of the lords of yoga, a possible reincarnation of the Trimurti (three gods) Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. He is revered for living a simple life, showing kindness to all, and sharing his knowledge during his travels. He is often shown with three heads (symbolizing the Trimurti, past/present/future) and six hands each holding symbolic items associated with each god – a trident, chakra, water pot, conch shell, lotus flower, and discus. His four dogs represent the four Vedas (Hindu’s oldest scriptures) and the cow represents Mother Earth.
 
The print is signed MK Sharma in the lower left corner, its title is in English, and it was printed by the Paradise Picture Co. of Bombay. In the lower right corner of the image is the logo for the DCC Delux Calendar Corp. 
 
The print is a halftone lithograph, a common printing technique for mass-produced religious imagery in India in the past which made them affordable to all. Such prints evolved from use in puja rooms (prayer rooms) to stickers in taxis, shop art, calendars, ticket labels, and other everyday objects, becoming part of the colorful décor of Indian homes and public spaces. They played a significant role in popularizing Hindu iconography. They are still in use today, although modern printing techniques are used to reproduce them and create new interpretations.
 
Most online are asking at least $ 25 per piece for these kinds of prints. 
 
We do not know if it was our grandmother who purchased these in the 1930s or our mother in 1969 or the 1970s. This particular print is in good vintage condition, with only very minor creases along the edges and a slight fold in the lower left corner. We would mail this flat.
 
H 14” x L 9 7/8”
 
Disclaimer: We have tried to make sure colors shown in photos are representative of the real colors of each item. We have tried to identify all imperfections in descriptions, but we may have missed some. If you are unhappy with your purchase, let us know.