DescriptionA "shamsa" (literally, sun) traditionally opened imperial Mughal albums. Worked in bright colors and several tones of gold, the meticulously designed and painted arabesques are enriched by fantastic flowers, birds, and animals. The inscription in the center in the "tughra" (handsign) style reads: "His Majesty Shihabuddin Muhammad Shahjahan, the King, Warrior of the Faith, may God perpetuate his kingdom and sovereignty."

Signatures, Inscriptions, and MarkingsInscriptions: 55.121.10.39 recto: In Persian, in tughra, in center of rosette: His majesty, Shihabuddin Muhammad Shah Jahan, the King, Warrior of the Faith, may God perpetuate his kingdom and sovereignty.

Provenancesale, Sotheby's, London, December 12, 1929; sold to Kevorkian)