After Mughal Empire
PERSIAN TAPESTRY FRAMED AKBAR

PERSIAN TAPESTRY FRAMED AKBAR

Large Persian gold framed Tapestry after Akbar C 1590 -95 Mughal Empire measures, 38in W x  50in H

This illustration to the Akbarnama, the history of the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar, exemplifies Akbar's increasingly spiritual preoccupations from about 1570. His historian, Abu’l Fazl, frequently refers to the disparity between the apparent frivolity of events in the material world, and the metaphysical nature of the emperor’s reflections at the same time. On this occasion he writes of Akbar: ‘in appearance his mind was taken up with the pleasure of hunting; inwardly, there was in his heart the longing to know God’. Akbar had set out with a few servants to shoot wild asses, but became separated from them when he dismounted to follow his prey. He was soon overcome by thirst and weakness in the intense heat, and entered a trance-like condition. His extremely concerned servants eventually found him slumped against his gun, unable to speak. According to Abu’l Fazl, the emperor later felt he had been sent a divine message instructing him to take greater care of himself and to avoid such dangers because of his pre-eminent duty as the guardian of mankind. Akbar’s features have been painted by Keshav, one of a small number of artists accorded the privilege of doing portraits of the emperor and leading figures of the court, while the rest of the composition by an unknown designer has been painted by Mohesh.

The Akbarnama was commissioned by Akbar in 1589 as the official chronicle of his reign. It was written in Persian by his court historian and biographer, Abu'l Fazl, between 1590 and 1596. It was illustrated simultaneously by artists from Akbar's ketabkhana, or "House of Books", where manuscripts were stored as well as created. After Akbar's death in 1605, the manuscript remained in the library of his son, Jahangir (r. 1605-1627) and later Shah Jahan (r.1628-1658). The Victoria and Albert Museum purchased it in 1896 from Mrs Frances Clarke, the widow of Major-General John Clarke, who bought it in India while serving as Commissioner of Oudh between 1858 and 1862.

Shipping: Shipping costs are not included but both international and national shipping quotes are available using UPS. We are happy to give a quote for UPS shipping prior to bidding. If you are bidding on multiple lots or you have your own shipping preference please email philippe@longlake.art for more information. In person pick up of winning items can be scheduled. Everything ships from Florida, USA. 

Bedingungen:

Gut

The condition is good. However, a full condition report is available via email: philippe@longlake.art

---

Our Winter Sale takes place ONLINE ONLY, Saturday January 18th 2025 at 11 AM EST. Registration is open now and during the sale. Preview all items Saturday January 11th 2025 11AM - 3PM at our gallery in the Lime Arts Building 925 N. Lime Ave. Sarasota, FL 34237. This sale includes paintings by American, European and Central Asian artists, including Chagall, Calder, and Picasso. Objets d’art include Chinese jade, silver, jewelry, lalique and majolica. All items may be picked up at the gallery or shipped for an additional charge. Our gallery is open by appointment, Long Lake Art and Antiques, LLC. 925 N. Lime Ave. Sarasota, FL 34237. Email with questions, longlakeart@gmail.com. 

Long Lake Art and Antiques, LLC. makes the following disclaimers regarding the online and in person sale of items in an auction setting; the information shared concerning each item is dependent on the information provided by the consignor and all items are sold “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Our staff researches each item but we are not experts. Full condition reports and provenance are available prior to the sale. We encourage Zoom calls and in person viewing; email longlakeart@gmail.com to schedule. No statements made in the online catalog shall be deemed a warranty or representation or an admission of liability. Bids are collected from multiple online platforms, and tie bids do occasionally occur. The auctioneer determines the winning bid in the case of a tie. There are no refunds or exchanges. All bids are binding and final. Questions, contact longlakeart@gmail.com.