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Lot Essay
The technique of enamelling onto gold in India has its origins in the opulent Mughal court of the 17th century. This technique gives the enamelled colours a brilliant and rich glow. An early example of enamelling on gold can be found in the Hermitage, (inv. V3-726). That red enamelled covered cup, dated to the 17th century, also has delicate diamond-inset rosettes adorning its sides, (Mark Zebrowski, Gold, Silver and Bronze from Mughal India, London, 1997, no. 52, p. 71).
The larger more colourful range of enamels on our present vessel suggests a later date of production. A fly-whisk handle attributed to the early 19th century in the David Collection illustrates a similar flair for a wide range of colour and a preference for animal motifs, (inv. 5/1982, Mark Zebrowski, op.cit, no. 58, p. 74).
The textured surface on the neck of this flask is also a striking feature. The thin horizontal ridges of gold which create a geometric pattern in the turquoise enamelled field are similar to those on an armlet in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, which is dated to the 19th century Jaipur (inv. IND. 2-1911, Susan Stronge, Nima Smith and J.C. Harle, A Golden Treasury: Jewellery from the Indian Subcontinent, London, 1989, no.86, p.91). The green enamelled rosette on the underneath of the foot of this flask shows an attractive attention to detail which is mirrored in pieces which stretch back to the 17th century. See for example two enamelled rosewater sprinklers which sold in these Rooms, 5 October 2010, lots 46 and 47.
The larger more colourful range of enamels on our present vessel suggests a later date of production. A fly-whisk handle attributed to the early 19th century in the David Collection illustrates a similar flair for a wide range of colour and a preference for animal motifs, (inv. 5/1982, Mark Zebrowski, op.cit, no. 58, p. 74).
The textured surface on the neck of this flask is also a striking feature. The thin horizontal ridges of gold which create a geometric pattern in the turquoise enamelled field are similar to those on an armlet in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, which is dated to the 19th century Jaipur (inv. IND. 2-1911, Susan Stronge, Nima Smith and J.C. Harle, A Golden Treasury: Jewellery from the Indian Subcontinent, London, 1989, no.86, p.91). The green enamelled rosette on the underneath of the foot of this flask shows an attractive attention to detail which is mirrored in pieces which stretch back to the 17th century. See for example two enamelled rosewater sprinklers which sold in these Rooms, 5 October 2010, lots 46 and 47.