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"Alexander is Lowered into the Sea", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi

Author Amir Khusrau Dihlavi Indian
Painting attributed to Mukunda
1597–98
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 463
The Khamsa of the Indian poet Amir Khusrau includes a section on the philosopher-king Alexander the Great, who in Khusrau’s telling of his life led expeditions to China, Russia, and the Western Isles. In this copy of the Khamsa made for the Mughal emperor Akbar (r. 1556–1605), Alexander is shown being lowered into the sea in a glass diving bell. While underwater, he will receive a visit from an angel who foretells his death.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Alexander is Lowered into the Sea", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
  • Author: Amir Khusrau Dihlavi (Indian, Patiyali, 1253–1325 Delhi)
  • Artist: Painting attributed to Mukunda
  • Date: 1597–98
  • Geography: Attributed to India
  • Medium: Main support: Ink, watercolor, gold on paper
    Margins: Gold on dyed paper
  • Dimensions: H. 9 3/8 in.
    W. 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Alexander Smith Cochran, 1913
  • Object Number: 13.228.27
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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"Khizr Comes to the Ascetic's Cell", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi, Amir Khusrau Dihlavi Indian, Ink and opaque watercolor on paper
"Khizr Comes to the Ascetic's Cell", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
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"Entertainment in a Garden", Folio from a Khamsa of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi, Matla' al-Anvar , Amir Khusrau Dihlavi Indian, Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

"Entertainment in a Garden", Folio from a Khamsa of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi, Matla' al-Anvar

Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
second half 16th century
"The Story of the Princess of the Blue Pavillion: The Youth of Rum Is Entertained in a Garden by a Fairy and her Maidens", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi, Amir Khusrau Dihlavi Indian, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
"The Story of the Princess of the Blue Pavillion: The Youth of Rum Is Entertained in a Garden by a Fairy and her Maidens", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
Multiple artists/makers
1597–98
"A Bathhouse Keeper is Consumed by Passion for his Beloved", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi, Amir Khusrau Dihlavi Indian, Main support: Ink, opaque watercolor and gold on paper<br/>Margins: Gold on dyed paper
"A Bathhouse Keeper is Consumed by Passion for his Beloved", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
Nar Singh
1597–98
Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi, Amir Khusrau Dihlavi Indian, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
17th century

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