Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review“Focusing on primary sources, Casale extensively contextualizes the gift exchanges between the Safavids and Ottomans in the early sixteenth-century within their cultural and historical context. With clear writing and fresh perspectives,
Gifts in the Age of Empire is a bold book that will particularly interest art historians, cultural historians, and scholars interested in material culture and materiality.” * Melis Taner, Özyegin University, Istanbul *
“Until now, viewing early modern Ottoman and Safavid art and politics through the lens of gift giving was a relatively novel idea and one that had not previously been employed in a comprehensive manner. With
Gifts in the Age of Empire, Casale repositions the study of gift exchange in a broader sphere, which has to do with the global movement of works of art and its impact on visual culture. This thoroughly researched, well-written, and profusely illustrated monograph is particularly relevant when considering later Islamic arts.” * Linda Komaroff, curator and department head, Los Angeles County Museum of Art *
Table of ContentsNote on Transliteration
Introduction
1 Scandal and Decorum
2 An Exquisite
Shahnama 3 King of the World
4 Little Prince Bearing Gifts
5 Diplomacy and Transaction
Epilogue
Appendix 1: Favors to Ahmed Beg, July 1505
Appendix 2: Remittance to Shaikh Ismaʿil, November 1510
Appendix 3: Gifts to Selim II, 1568
Appendix 4: Gifts to Murad III, January 1590
Appendix 5: Favors to Haydar Mirza, January 1590
Appendix 6: Gifts to Mehmed III, January 1597
Acknowledgments
Notes
Bibliography
Index
