SIGNED MUHAMMAD IBRAHIM MASHHADI, DECCAN, INDIA, CIRCA 1700

Flower paintings in Mughal art only became popular in the 17th century, particularly under Emperors Babur and Jahangir, who commissioned over 100 flower paintings by artist Mansur. The famous Dara Shikoh (1615-59) album contains many floral studies from this period. Some flower motifs were imaginary and inspired by European prints, but others, such as the poppy, marigold, and narcissus, were botanically accurate and favourites among the Mughals. The opium poppy, in particular, was commonly used in Mughal decorative art, likely due to the rulers' regular use of opium at court. As an eye catching and beautiful flower, it appears on water pipes, shawls, carpets, apparel, and even the walls of the Taj Mahal and Itimad ud Daulah. For a similar study of a poppy attributed to Rajasthan, Kishangarh, circa 1740, see S.C. Welch, India: Art and Culture 1300-1900, New York, 1985, p.370, pl. 248. Two imaginary studies of flowers created in the Deccan in 17th century on similar gold ground were sold at Christie’s, New York, 19 June 2019, lots 52 and 53.