Cleveland Museum of Art

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

Date

1598–1600

Medium

Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper

Culture

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

Department

Indian and Southeast Asian Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

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. Pre-modern giftwrap: Round textiles cover presentation platters.

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