1-155-357 - Art Media/Heritage Images

The King of Kashmir dispenses justice, late 13th century, (early 15th century). Marco Polo (1254-1324) Venetian traveller and merchant, left Venice with his father and uncle in 1271. Seventeen years later he returned with tales of his experiences, particularly at the court and in the service of Kublai Khan (1214-1294), Great Khan of the Moguls and Emperor of China. Here the king of Kashmir watches a beheading by sword. On the right scholars teach and meditate in the hills. Miniature from "Le Livre des Merveilles de Marco Polo" ("Book of Marvels of Marco Polo"), illuminated manuscript from the Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris.