Timur distributes gifts from his grandson, the Prince of Multan, from a Zafar-nama (Book of Victories)

1598–1600

Shravana

(Indian, active 1550s–c.1600)

Culture

Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)

Medium

Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper

Measurements

Sheet: 28.2 x 20.2 cm (11 1/8 x 7 15/16 in.); Image: 14.7 x 9.8 cm (5 13/16 x 3 7/8 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Dr. Norman Zaworski 2012.301

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

Pre-modern giftwrap: Round textiles cover presentation platters.

Description

The Turkic conqueror Timur (1336–1405) is the Mughal emperor Akbar’s most celebrated paternal ancestor. He sits on a terrace, shaded by a crimson awning. The blue carpet with gold border marking his high status is covered with a floral vine pattern that became fashionable in the 1500s.

This scene takes place in a territory governed by Timur’s grandson, who sent him gifts of horses, camels, and a variety of luxury items. Timur is in the process of regifting them to members of his entourage in accordance with their merits.