Cleveland Museum of Art

A prince conversing with a woman while taking refreshments on a terrace (recto); Calligraphy (verso)

Date

c. 1710–20

Medium

Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper

Culture

Mughal India

Department

Indian and Southeast Asian Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

The carpet turns a terrace into a space where a prince can enjoy the company of women over wine and fruits. A covered box on the carpet contains aromatic betel nut packets for pleasurable chewing. He has removed his shoes, which are left on the marble step. A princess pours liquor from a golden bottle into a tiny blue-and-white ceramic cup. The pair’s royal status is indicated by the attendants who hold the white cloth and peacock-feather whisks. Two other women bring jewels and a vial of perfume to be inspected and discussed by the royal connoisseurs. The prince removed his shoes before joining the picnic on the carpeted terrace.

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