A MUGHAL ROCK-CRYSTAL VASE

Using only bow-driven lathes and wheels, the craftsmen of the Mughal atelier managed to produce exceptionally fine rock crystal vessels. The quality of both the carving and the material itself, a near-flawless transparent piece of quartz, is allowed to come to the foreground through the absence of further embellishments, such as gold inlay or gem-settings. That carved rock crystal vessels of this type continued to be prized possessions long after they were made is evidenced by an enameled gold dish and cover dated AH 1226 / 1811-2 AD that were made for a 17th century Mughal rock crystal bowl in the Wallace Collection, London (acc. no. OA1662).

A rock crystal vase of a very similar form to the present example, but significantly cruder carving, is in the Victoria & Albert Museum (acc. no. IM.329-1920).