Album Page with Decoupe Vase of Flowers, Insects, and Birds

Muhammad Hasan

1630–40 · Gouache on black paper with colored and white decoupage · Islamic Art

Lyrical flowers and tender buds grow from thorny stems that spring from a fantastical vase. A delicate butterfly and grasshopper are among the foliage while waving iris plans, marbled ducks, shells and flasks can be found along the lower edge of the folio. This tour-de-force of découpage was likely executed at the court of Sultan Muhammad 'Adil Shah of Bijapur (reigned 1627–56) for the sultan's royal album.

Artist

Muhammad Hasan

Date

1630–40

Medium

Gouache on black paper with colored and white decoupage

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Bequest of Henrie Jo Barth and Friends of Islamic Arts Gifts, 2022