Portrait of Asaf Khan (1569–1641), from the Late Shah Jahan Album

Asaf Khan, born in Iran, was a general and close advisor to Mughal emperors Jahangir (reigned 1605-27) and Shah Jahan (reigned 1627-58). He was also Jahangir's brother-in-law and Shah Jahan's father-in-law.

The figures in the borders show that Asaf Khan was both a scholar and a soldier. At the top, mullahs (learned Muslim clerics) with books gesture in discourse, while two soldiers converse at ease below. Three retainers stand at the side presenting a sword, a vase of narcissus, a bow, and arrows. He has strapped on a sheathed sword and tucked a stabbing dagger and book into his elegantly embroidered floral sash.

Credit: Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund