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Lot Essay
The technique of enamelling on to 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).
Later it became a specialty of certain cities, especially Jaipur. The larger more colourful range of enamels on this group of vessels 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, Zebrowski, op.cit, no. 58, p. 74). A similarly worked enamelled bottle sold in these Rooms, 4 October 2012, lot 218.
Later it became a specialty of certain cities, especially Jaipur. The larger more colourful range of enamels on this group of vessels 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, Zebrowski, op.cit, no. 58, p. 74). A similarly worked enamelled bottle sold in these Rooms, 4 October 2012, lot 218.