445. Emperor Akbar, Painted Ivory with Ebony Frame, India

Stylised Painting on Ivory of Emperor Akbar with Carved Ebony Frame

This beautiful ivory miniature image shows an idealised depiction of the Mughal emperor Akbar (1542-1605) in paint and gold leaf is bordered by a strip of silver, covered with thin glass and set in an ebony frame carved with floral and foliage motifs.

Akbar is shown lavishly bejewelled and attired. He wears a diamond aigrette in his turban, strands of pearls and robes richly embroidered with gold thread.

The detail is extraordinarily fine and undoubtedly the product of extremely fine brushes just several hairs thick.