A Ruler Presents a Document to Visiting Nobles

c. 1700–1720

Mughal India, Deccan

Medium

Gum tempera and gold on paper

Measurements

Overall: 22 x 32.7 cm (8 11/16 x 12 7/8 in.)

Credit Line

Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 1996.296

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

The figure in white has his mouth open, indicating that he is singing, accompanied by the musician behind him.

Description

Many carpets produced in the southwestern region of the Indian subcontinent feature a tone-on-tone mustard-yellow color scheme with lattice design. It demarcates the space of honor for the highest-ranking members of the refined gathering of literary connoisseurs. The figure facing right, with the peacock-feather whisk held over him, would be the host. He has a letter or poem in his hand. His guests have partaken of an aromatic betel-leaf packet (paan) and a rose from the dishes between them. Implements for writing and trimming paper lie on the carpet between a spittoon and courtly stabbing dagger (katar).