Iraj (or Irij) Khan in procession on an elephant, India, Deccan, late 17th century

gouache with gold on paper, laid down on card

Some wear and losses to surface pigment, losses along edge at upper right repaired, some retouching, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Irij Khan was a Mughal nobleman, son of Qizilbash Khan, who held a variety of posts in the Deccan under Emperor Aurangzeb, including governor of Ellichpur (Achalpur). He had quite distinctive features and a prominent beard, and several other portraits of him exist from the late seventeenth century and later, including two in the British Library (India Office Collections, Johnson Album 59, no.8; Johnson Album 64, no.26, see Falk and Archer 1981, nos.419,462); one in the British Museum (1974, 0617,0.4.18); two in the San Diego Museum of Art (Binney Collection, see Zebrowski 1983, no.160 and Binney 1973, no.139b), one in the Brookyn Museum (59.205.13, see Poster et al 1994, no.82) and one sold in these rooms 10 April 1989, lot 42. There seems to be some slight confusion over the exact spelling of the sitter's name, as it is variously given as Iraj Khan, (Mirza) Irich Khan, (Mirza) Ilich Khan and Mirza Irij Khan.