Moghul Colour Decoration of Agra: Described and Illustrated

Edmund W Smith, Moghul Colour Decoration of Agra: Described and Illustrated, Allahabad: Superintendent, Government Press, North West Provinces and Oudh, 1901

Part I: v, pp. 28, 103 plates containing 23 line drawings, 27 black and white photo etchings and 53 coloured drawing plates; original boards with fresh spine and leather corners
13.4 x 11.2 x 1.2 in (33.5 x 28 x 3 cm)

The original drawings were prepared 'under the compiler's direction and supervision by Indian draughtsmen, who received preliminary training in various Indian schools of art before entering the Archaeological Department.' These drawings, prepared to illustrate a report of the Archaeological Survey of India entitled 'The Moghul Architecture of Fathpur Sikri', were reproduced in photolithography by Messers W Griggs and Sons, Hanover Street, Peckham, London.

Smith wrote in Moghul Colour Decoration of Agra, 1901, "....the entire facades from the plinth to the parapet are overlaid with mosaic. Between the top of the dado and and the cornice around the roof, the faces of the walls are cut up by archways and and panels veneered with rich geometrical designs in marble mosaic bounded by floral borders in "pietra-dura" or inlaid work."

This portfolio is now largely inaccessible and scarce.

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