A prince conversing with a woman while taking refreshments on a terrace (recto)
Unknown Artist
c. 1710–20
Medium
Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Dimensions
painting only: 17.8 × 12.1 cm · page: 30.5 × 24.1 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift in honor of Madeline Neves Clapp; Gift of Mrs. Henry White Cannon by exchange; Bequest of Louise T. Cooper; Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund; From the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection
Accession Number
2013.335.a
About this artwork
The carpet turns a terrace into a space where a prince can enjoy the company of women over wine and fruits. A covered box on the carpet contains aromatic betel nut packets for pleasurable chewing. He has removed his shoes, which are left on the marble step. A princess pours liquor from a golden bottle into a tiny blue-and-white ceramic cup. 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 perfum...