Emperor Jehangir’s wine cup

Three bands of calligraphy adorn this jade cup belonging to the 17th-century Mughal emperor. Forming the central band, carved in sols script, is a royal dedication announcing that the cup was made for Jehangir. At the top, in nasta’liq script, the text states that it was made in the second year of his reign (between 1607 and 1608). Also engraved are lines from Persian poetry of the time. The emperor was fond of wine even though Islam forbade the drinking of alcohol.

On view at the Hôtel de la Marine, as part of the Al Thani collection alongside objects from ancient Egypt and Rome, medieval Europe, imperial China and Mughal India.