Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in a Garden Pavilion, Awadh School circa 1750-1800 — Restored Mughal Wall Art

In this exquisite painting from the Awadh school, Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, the fourth Nawab Wazir of Awadh who ruled from 1775 to 1797, sits enthroned on a pavilion beneath a golden shamiana canopy, reclining against a backrest with two pillows. Attendants stand behind him holding morchhal peacock feathers, while two messengers approach him respectfully. The marble pavilion features a golden boundary, with a pond and fountain visible in the background, painted in the characteristic gold and beige palette of late Mughal Awadh style. Dating to approximately 1750-1800, this work exemplifies the painting tradition that flourished in Murshidabad and Awadh.

Asaf-ud-Daula became legendary for his generosity, particularly his offering of food and public employment during famines—a popular saying declared "to whom even God does not give, Asaf-ud-Daula gives". In 1775 he moved the capital from Faizabad to Lucknow, building the famed Bara Imambara in 1784 as famine relief, transforming Lucknow into an architectural marvel. Under the patronage of Awadh's Nawabs, a delicate painting style flourished that expressed delight in depicting lovely gardens and palaces, creating manufactured settings designed to display power, prestige, luxury and comfort.

This painting is part of Aurah Living's restored Mughal collection — digitally cleaned and color-corrected from archival sources, with the folio's painted inset, decorative hashiya, and original paper margins preserved.

Premium matte paper print, framed in solid wood with a beveled cream mat. Three frame finishes: Black, Red Oak, White. Free shipping in the continental United States.