Indo-Persian Empire, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A special ensemble of four illuminated manuscript pages, each one featuring a central hand-painted image delineated with fine details as well as a brilliant color palette, and contextualized by calligraphic script on handmade paper. The scenes depicted include: a lively game of polo amongst four horsemen; three regals about to partake in a garden picnic; a royal on horseback processing amongst his loyal followers, one of whom is protecting him with a parasol; and finally, members of a royal family occupying various rooms of a castle as another arrives on horseback. All are set in custom mattes and frames behind glass. Size of largest (polo game): 11.375" L x 5.875" W (28.9 cm x 14.9 cm) Size of largest frame: 18" L x 12.5" W (45.7 cm x 31.8 cm)

Miniature painting emerged in Persian art during the 13th century. Following the Mongol conquests, the genre displayed strong Chinese influence, and the tradition reached its peak during the 15th and 16th centuries. Persian miniature painting influenced other Islamic miniature traditions, including the Ottoman miniature created in Turkey as well as the Mughal miniature of India. Interestingly, Persian art - although under the influence of Islam - never completely forbade the inclusion of the human figure. Furthermore, the depiction of figures - oftentimes in groups - is a common practice in the miniature tradition. Scholars believe that this was because the miniature was used as a private form of visual culture. These images were usually kept in a book or an album and only shown to a select audience. For this reason, artists could be more free when creating miniatures than when creating wall paintings which were viewed by a wider audience. The Koran (Qur'an) and other religious texts were not illustrated in this way as a rule; however, other works of literature and histories at times included religious scenes.

Provenance: private Monument, Colorado, USA collection, acquired in the 1950s

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#167845

These illuminated manuscripts have not been examined outside the frames. All appear to be in nice condition with vivid paintings and text. Frames have some scuffs/abrasions as shown, but the are intact (including the glass), wired for suspension, and ready to display.