AN INDIAN MINIATURE PAINTING OF SHAH JAHAN India, 19^th century. Gouache, ink and gold on paper. Finely detailed in royal garb standing upon a grassy field, the ruler wearing a yellow tunic and a bejeweled turban, with a sword and a shield at his side. With a blue margin.

Provenance: Collection of Sigfred Taubert, thence by descent. Sigfred Taubert (1914-2008) was the director of the Frankfurt Book Fair between 1958 and 1973, and also a writer and enthusiastic collector of bibliophilic treasures from all over the world. From 1974 to 1978, he was a member of the board of the UNESCO International Book Committee in Paris.
Condition: Overall still fine condition with some wear, soiling, stains, creases, small tears, and losses to edges (partly touched up).

Dimensions: Sheet size 22.5 x 29 cm

Considered one of the most consequential Mughal rulers, Shah Jahan reigned during what is now termed the Golden Age of the Mughal Empire. He ascended the throne in 1627 after the death of his father, Emperor Jahangir. The third of five sons, Shah Jahan was granted the title “Shah Jahan” by his father. Translating to “King of the World,” it is by this name that he is known and not his given name. His thirty-year rule, 1628-1658, saw the development of the most significant examples of Mughal literature, architecture and design.

Auction result comparison: Compare a related miniature painting of Shah Jahan, dated to 1820, at Christie’s London in Indian and Islamic Works of Art and Textiles on 11 April 2008, lot 46, sold for GBP 1,250.