PROBABLY GUJARAT, NORTH WEST INDIA, CIRCA 17TH CENTURY

Details

A MOTHER-OF-PEARL WINE CUP
PROBABLY GUJARAT, NORTH WEST INDIA, CIRCA 17TH CENTURY
On short foot, of hemispherical form, the rim and foot with brass rings
2 ¾in. (7cm.) diam.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Lot Essay

Gujarat was known as one of the main centres of decorative objects made from or decorated in mother-of-pearl. Such objects were created for both export trade and the domestic market. Due to its curious and exotic appearance, mother-of-pearl objects were particularly popular with export trade in the Middle East, Ottoman Turkey, Indonesia and Europe (Amin Jaffer, Luxury Goods from India, London, 2002, p.39). The Renaissance courts were an avid admirer of such objects which were usually mounted in rich gold and silver gilt settings. In Europe, these objects were often displayed in collector cabinets intended for display.

A very similar example which is believed to be associated with the Queen of Scots is housed in the Ashmolean Museum (EA1998.1).

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