INDIA, DECCAN, BIJAPUR OR GOLCONDA, CIRCA 1600

Deccani paintings, under the patronage of the Adil Shahis and Qutb Shahis, developed a distinct style reflecting the amalgamation of native Rajput and Mughal, Persian, Turkish and Western painting traditions. The recognizable Persianate character of Bijapur and Golconda paintings is attributed to the close cultural and political links with Safavid Iran. Their love for opulent patterns and rich colors is a defining characteristic. Deccani artists' oeuvre seems to echo an inward journey, with mythical and fantastic overtones, reflected in the intricately worked borders with animate birds perched in the dense foliage, as seen in the present and following two examples. For further discussion see M. Zebrowski, Deccani Painting, 1983 and S. Kossak, Indian Court Paintings: 16th-19th Century, 1997.