GUJARAT, INDIA, 17TH/18TH CENTURY

One of the most prized exotic materials to feature in the princely Kunstkammern were the shells of the turbo snails. Found in the Indian and Pacific oceans, the natural shiny and iridescent surface of the shells made a vivid impression on 16th and 17th century collectors as these were truly objects from another world. They were highly prized in the west so that they were mounted up in silver and silver gilt, sometimes very elaborately, to create "nautilus cups". Even through until the early 19th century sales of exotic sea shells were a regular section of the auctions held by James Christie and his successors.

A number of similar powder horns were produced. Two, for example, were exhibited in London (Simon Ray, Indian and Islamic Works of Art, exhibition catalogue, London, 2006, no.57, pp.120-121).