Anglo-Indian School, early 20th century, two (2) framed pairs of miniature watercolor portraits depicting the busts of 2 Indian noblemen and 2 women. Remnants of labels en verso refer to the subjects as the wife of Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal (wearing the headdress with feathers) and Jahan's father, Akbar along with Akbar's wife (in pink dress). All framed within oval apertures of olive velvet mats under glass in 2 gilt and ebonized frames. Sight: 2 in. H x 1 3/4 in. W. Frames: 5 1/2 in. H x 7 3/4 in. W. Note: Mumtaz Mahal was born Arjumand Banu Begum (1593-1631) and was the chief consort of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1592-1666). She died in childbirth at the age of 38, and Jahan commissioned the The Taj Mahal, often cited as one of the Wonders of the World, as her tomb and a monument to their eternal love. As with other Mughal royal ladies, no contemporary likenesses of her were accepted, but numerous imagined portraits were created after her death, particularly from the 19th century. 

Paintings in excellent condition. Some fading to mats and edge wear to frames. Not examined out of frames. 

A Middle Tennessee estate.