Book cover with tree, birds, and insects

Lacquer and gouache with gold on leather.

This pair of painted and lacquered book covers [LI118.63, LI118.64] is decorated with variations on the theme of a tree full of birds and insects, flanked by auspicious, flower-filled vases of plenty. In their refined opulence and fantasy the designs are typically Deccani in execution and feeling.

To view a high-resolution version of this image and for further information please visit the Yousef Jameel Online Centre at the Ashmolean.