Drawing of the Tombstone of Shah Jahan

Unknown artist

ca. 1820

Opaque watercolour on paper

Aga Khan Museum

An architectural drawing features an ornate floral motif with arched openings and decorative borders. The design is rendered in opaque watercolor on paper. During the reign of the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (r. 1627–56), floral patterns became all the rage, covering textiles and carpets as well as architecture. The most notable application of this floral decoration can be found at the Taj Mahal, the tomb built by Shah Jahan for his wife, which is decorated with inlaid motifs created with an array of precious stones. This watercolour painting shows the design on the top of Shah Jahan’s cenotaph (grave marker), a masterpiece of delicate draftsmanship and the inlay technique. - Marika Sardar Accession number: AKM971