Jahangir’s Wine Cups: Mughal Decorative Arts

Dark green nephrite wine cup. ca. 1618 to 1619, British Museum, London, UK.

The Mughal Empire stands as one of history’s most opulent periods known to nurture a rich tapestry of art and architecture that offers a glimpse into the unimaginable wealth of that era. Among the many treasures of the Mughal rulers, the wine cups of Jahangir hold a particular fascination. While originally fashioned for practical use, today these vessels are intriguing artifacts from a bygone era.

Exquisite and ornately decorated, the wine cups not only showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of the Mughal artisans but also serve as a poignant reminder of a more universal aspect of the human condition: addiction. Jahangir, the illustrious Mughal emperor, grappled with addiction throughout much of his life. Subsequently these cups are symbols not only of artistic mastery, but also of the complexities and vulnerabilities of powerful figures from history.

Read the original article here… and return to discuss on artistvenu below