Antique pair of miniature paintings of the Mughal emperor Shah Jehan and his famous wife, Mumtaz Mahal, on very old paper. Done in India, circa 1950''s. Measurements: 9 X 13 inches. Rare to find a matching pair of miniature paintings. Done in the Classic tradition that originated in Persia centuries ago, using a very fine (single hair) brush and colours taken from stones and other natural elements. While the paintings were executed about 50 years ago, the paper they were painted on is much older - well over 100 years and possibly taken from an old book, which is very common with this kind of painting. The figures of Shah Jehan and Mumtaz, for whom he built the Taj Mahal, are each charmingly seated on a prancing brown horse. Both have a sort of green halo around them with very delicate radiating light. The matching brown horses, in matching poses stand on matching grassy verges with little flowers and rocks. The sky in both paintings is a strange swirling mass of blues and greys. The figures are beautifully painted in regal attire with lots of rich, gold highlights. The faces finely detailed, especially the hair. Horses depicted with no less attention to detail and elegant, flowing lines. Around each painting is a border of fine flowers en grisaille as well as illuminated, fancy script in Arabic with gold highlights. The backs of the pages with their original script has been shown in the ''photos as well. Besides the natural wear at the edge of the pages, the paintings are in very good condition. Status: For Sale Reference#: 3942 Condition: good Year: 1930 Title: ANTIQUE PR MINIATURE PAINTING SHAH JAHAN WIFE HORSEBACK

Art (paintings, prints, frames)
Figures & Portraits