Galleries 463 and 464 unify the rich holdings of the Islamic and Asian departments in grand adjoining spaces, thus presenting for the first time a historically cohesive and visually spectacular overview of the many facets of the art of the region. The two galleries highlight the artistic and cultural diversity of the Indian subcontinent and its wider connections with the Islamic world, Europe, and beyond.
The first major space displays works of art from the Sultanate, Mughal, and Deccan courts in a chronological and regional sweep from about 1450 to the nineteenth century. Masterpieces include celebrated folios from the Emperor's Album, jades and jewels of the Mughal period, and fine examples of Deccan court arts. The second gallery, which offers an independent entrance into the larger suite of galleries, presents vibrant examples of Jain, Rajput, Pahari, and "Company" school painting from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century, as well as textiles and decorative arts, showcasing the artistic variety of the Indian courts.
Generous support for these galleries is provided by the South Asian-American community.
