Hussein Boykaro coronation miniature found in Washington's National Museum

A miniature featuring Sultan Hussein Boykaro has been found in Washington, D.C., USA, as reported by the press service of the Center for Islamic Civilization.

The work is currently housed at the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C. Tentatively titled "The Coronation Ceremony of Hussein Boykaro," the miniature is believed to have been painted by the artist Mansur Musavvir in 1469.

During Hussein Boykaro's reign, the development of science, literature, music, and fine arts was highly valued. Renowned artists such as Mirak Naqqosh and Kamoliddin Behzod created iconic works during this period. Owing to his esteemed status, Hussein Boykaro's image and portraits appeared in numerous artworks.

This miniature depicts the coronation of the ruler and shows Sultan Hussein Boykaro in his youth, surrounded by courtiers, poets, and scholars, including Abdurahman Jami and Alisher Navoi. The piece highlights Boykaro's role as a cultural patron, and it aligns with the artistic style of the time.

In the miniature, the ruler is seated on a pedestal, with Prince Badiuzzaman Mirza on his left and Abdurahman Jami on his right, holding a book. A figure dressed in a black yaktak and white turban, standing next to the ruler, is likely to be Navoi. It is known that Navoi traveled from Samarkand to Herat for this occasion and wrote the ode "Hiloliyya" to commemorate the event.

"Currently, more than a dozen miniatures depicting various scenes from Hussein Boykaro's life are preserved in museums around the world. This newly discovered artwork holds significant historical and artistic value and warrants further study by researchers. It provides a clearer understanding of Hussein Boykaro's personality and his contribution to cultural heritage," the report states.

It should be noted that earlier it was revealed that the Yada Stone, belonging to Jaloliddin Manguberdi, ruler of the Khorezmshahs (1200-1220), is currently housed at the British Museum.