A feast in a pavilion setting c. 1620 attributed to Muhammad Ali (Persian, active 1590-1620) India, Mughal, 17th century Opaque watercolor and gold on paper Overall: 23.4 x 14.6 cm (9 3/16 x 5 3/4 in.) Gift of J. H. Wade 1920.1966 DID YOU KNOW? A gentleman connoisseur has tucked a flowering sprig into his voluminous turban. DESCRIPTION Two gentlemen sit on a low carpeted platform in a walled garden. They wear bulbous turbans meant to indicate a historical time or distant place other than Mughal India. Behind them is the entry of a wealthy family’s house with one of the double doors open, leading to the inner quarters and a covered pavilion on the rooftop. The vestibule’s rear wall is ornamented with niches and wall paintings. Emperor Jahangir admired Persian art and culture, employing Persian painters such as Muhammad Ali in his royal atelier. He enjoyed gatherings such as this, with books and music, wine and fruits. INSCRIPTION later Hindi inscription on reverse: Babur PROVENANCE [Imre Schweiger, London] EXHIBITION HISTORY CMA, 1916: "Inaugural Exhibition of The Cleveland Museum of Art," cat. no. 72, p. 158 CMA, October 18, 1994 - March 26, 1995: "From Hand to Mouth: A History of Flatware," gallery 102, no cat. CMA, September 24 - December 8, 1996: "Asian Autumn - Dance of the Gods: Indian Art Inspired by Music," Educational Exhibit Area, Lower Level, no cat. Inaugural Exhibition. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (co-organizer) (June 6-September 20, 1916). India's Art. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (December 2, 1949-January 22, 1950). Dance of the Gods: Indian Art Inspired by Music. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (September 24-December 8, 1996). Art and Stories from Mughal India. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (July 31-October 23, 2016).