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ANTIQUE CARVED PHOTO ALBUM, TAJ MAHAL MINIATURE PAINT G
Wonderful antique Victorian or Napoleon III era hand carved sandalwood photograph album with complete original interior and delightful hand painted miniature of the Taj Mahal! A few small wood trim pieces missing and two or three tears inside but, as you can see, this one is both a unique and beautifully preserved piece! Expert carving on all sides of this solid sandalwood cover, note the figures interspersed throughout the foliage and bountiful table on the back. A detailed depiction of the Taj Mahal, a hand painted miniature watercolor protected under the original drop beveled glass! A bit of history is a must to understand the importance of the structure and story behind the world renowned Taj Mahal:
In 1612 Shah Jehan married a second wife, Mumtaz Mahal. She was his companion, lover and friend. She traveled with him on all his military expeditions and seemed to never be without him by her side. Mumtaz Mahal helped her husband to devote much of his rule to charity and helping the needy and the weak. She bore him fourteen children, but due to childbirth complications she died in 1629. Her death was the inspiration for the construction of the Taj Mahal. Historians believe that the name Taj Mahal means either "Crown of the Palace" or "Crown Palace".
The grieving period after the death of the Empress was long. Shah Jehan shut his life down for many weeks. He is said to have locked himself in his room for days and was cared for by one of his daughters. Shah Jehan ordered all festivities to cease. He ordered the empire to mourn. The people of the empire were truly grief stricken bye the death of their beloved empress; she had dedicated herself to helping many of people in the empire. There is a legend that says that the emperor was not always a kind emperor. The legend says, after the Taj Mahal was built, Shah Jehan chopped off the head of the builder and blinded the calligrapher so that no other structure would ever be able to compete with the Taj Mahal.
A great Grand Tour era piece with interesting historical significance!
Very good condition. As noted, there are a few edge or trip strips missing (one from the top of the curved binding and one from each of the outside ends of the cover panels. The original leather bound album is completely intact but there are two or three card frame pages that have tears. See pictures for measurements.
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Return Policy:
We always honor a 3-day return on our items, and guarantee them to be as described. Money back, less shipping costs, which are not refundable, so ask questions if necessary. We're easy to deal with.Shipping and Handling Policy:
Our shipping days are Tuesday and Friday, paid items will be shipped on the first shipping day after payment is recieved (except when special circumstances exist). We prefer to use USPS whenever possible, and require all packages to be insured. If you prefer another method of shipment, please mention it. We charge only actual expense of shipment/insurance, except in the case of larger items which must have special wood crates built. Wood crate charge, when applicable, is a flat $35.00 in addition to actual postage & insurance charges. Other Information:
8.75% sales tax applicable as of April 1st, 2009 for shipments & sales within the state of California, no exceptions. If you are within CA and are a dealer buying for resale, you must provide us your active resale certificate # and acknowledgment of intent to resell or we will have to collect sales tax. No exceptions. Auction Payment Methods:
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