lacquered bookbinding

Evidence

"lacquered bookbinding. The two different front bindings, whose only common feature is the inscriptional cartouches, each consist of a different scene."

Remarks

Two lacquered book bindings (AIA.0354.2.000) depicting battle scenes are attributed to India. One binding illustrates elephant riders, suggesting a Mughal origin, while the opposing force wears headgear indicative of the Afsharid dynasty (p. 105). These bindings may narrate the battle of Karnal in 1739 (p. 105).