2-722-203 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

A prince conversing with a woman while taking refreshments on a terrace (recto); Calligraphy (verso), c. 1710-1720. A princess pours liquor from a golden bottle into a tiny cup for a prince visiting the women’s quarters in a Mughal palace. The carpeted terrace overlooks a garden of flowering trees. The pair’s royal status is indicated by the attendants who hold the white cloth and peacock-feather whisks. Two other women bring jewels and a vial of perfume to be inspected and discussed by the royal connoisseurs. This is a setting where books, paintings, and poetry also would be enjoyed.