Mughal Painting

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Indian painting during the Mughal era was created in a variety of cultural and religious contexts. Sometimes described as "miniature paintings," many of these images were originally part of illustrated manuscripts and were generally intended to be viewed in intimate, personal settings by connoisseurs and elites. 

1992.42 Mahasiddha


GENERAL DESCRIPTION  
The mahasiddhas are a group of Indian Tantric practitioners (predominantly from the 8th to 11th centuries), most of whom overcame great obstacles such as poverty, sickness, and adv

1994.47 Figure of a lama


GENERAL DESCRIPTION  
A lama is the chief monk at a Tibetan monastery. He was considered sacred after his death. This bronze shows a lama wearing the special hat of the Karmapa, identifying him as the head of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.

1996.83 Plate


GENERAL DESCRIPTION  
This Turkish dish is an example of the kind of wares produced and subsidized by the Ottoman court, initially at Iznik in western Anatolia and later at a town known as Kutahya.

1996.82 Plate


GENERAL DESCRIPTION  
This Turkish bowl is an example of the kind of wares produced and subsidized by the Ottoman court, initially at Iznik in western Anatolia and later at a town known as Kutahya.

1996.212 Turban ornament


GENERAL DESCRIPTION  
This turban ornament from north India was originally worn only by maharajas (royalty) and their families. Many Indian miniature paintings show rulers with this type of ornament decorating the front o

1994.46 Whistle


GENERAL DESCRIPTION  
Enameled gold jewelry was popular from at least the 16th century onward in north India, and the best-known center of production is Jaipur in the modern state of Rajasthan—from which this whistle probably originates.

1963.25 Vase


GENERAL DESCRIPTION  
The Islamic world took special interest in the production of ceramics. Iran was an important region of production, and many different types were produced in a number of centers from the 9th century onward.

1994.43 Bazu band


GENERAL DESCRIPTION  
Men and women wore bazu bands, that is, bejeweled bands that decorated the upper arm a few inches below the shoulder. This example is enameled on the back. The front is embellished with precious stones, an indication of the wearer's wealth.