The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of March 24, 2024

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

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

1598–1600
(Indian, active 1550s–c.1600)
Sheet: 28.2 x 20.2 cm (11 1/8 x 7 15/16 in.); Image: 14.7 x 9.8 cm (5 13/16 x 3 7/8 in.)

Did You Know?

Pre-modern giftwrap: Round textiles cover presentation platters.

Description

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.
  • ?–2012
    Dr. Norman Zaworski [1920–2013], Cleveland, OH, bequest to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    2012–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • Cleveland Museum of Art. Cleveland Art: The Cleveland Museum of Art Members Magazine. Vol. 53 no. 02, March/April 2013 Mentioned & reproduced: p. 14 archive.org
  • Carpets and Canopies in Mughal India​ (Indian art rotation). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (March 22-September 8, 2024).
    Art and Stories from Mughal India. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (July 31-October 23, 2016).
    Main Asian Rotation (Gallery 245). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (December 5, 2013-June 30, 2014).
  • {{cite web|title=Timur distributes gifts from his grandson, the Prince of Multan, from a Zafar-nama (Book of Victories)|url=false|author=Shravana|year=1598–1600|access-date=24 March 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2012.301