Mirror Frame with Tree of Life Motif
Mughal dynasty (1526-1857), 17th/18th century
Medium
Nephrite jade, gold, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds inset in the kundan technique
Dimensions
16.4 × 10.2 × 1 cm (6 7/16 × 4 × 3/8 in.)
Classification
mirror
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
34286
Art Historical Context
Step into the opulent world of the Mughal Empire with this exquisite *Mirror Frame with Tree of Life Motif*, crafted in the 17th or 18th century during the dynasty's golden age (1526–1857). Produced in the royal workshops of India, this compact treasure—measuring just 16.4 × 10.2 × 1 cm—exemplifies the Mughals' fusion of Persian, Islamic, and Indian aesthetics. The Tree of Life, a recurring motif symbolizing eternal growth, fertility, and paradise, adorns the nephrite jade frame, evoking the lush gardens of Mughal palaces and the empire's reverence for nature's abundance. Masterfully fashione...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...