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Lovers Embracing
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
The twining and coiling of the patterns on the carpet and large floor cushion mirror the interlaced bodies of the amorous couple. The clinging grapevine also references the wine they share from one cup. Such a carpet was not to be walked on, so the lovers do not wear shoes. It provides a luxurious furnishing to the intimate outdoor space. Here, the floral patterns evoke the pleasures of paradise. The textile patterns have been rendered with such precision that they appear like colorful enamel work or inlaid jewels. A covered golden box at right contains aromatic betel nut treats ( paan ) that freshen the breath.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineLovers Embracing, c. 1630. Mughal India. Gum tempera and gold on paper; image: 14.9 x 10.1 cm (5 7/8 x 4 in.); overall: 24 x 16.8 cm (9 7/16 x 6 5/8 in.); with mat: 35.5 x 25.4 cm (14 x 10 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund, 1971.91
