NORTH INDIA, 17TH/18TH CENTURY

This rosewater sprinkler (gulabpash) is part of a small group of imperial-quality pieces that were decorated exclusively with gems. Three very similar rosewater sprinklers are in the Hermitage Museum (V3-709 and V3-714, all published in Mark Zebrowski, Gold, Silver and Bronze from Mughal India, London, 1997, p.70, nos.49, 50 and 51). All are dated to the 17th century were probably part of the embassy sent to Russia by Nadir Shah in the 18th century. The pieces included in the chapter 'Jewelled Magnificence' in the book Treasury of the World. Jewelled Arts of Indian in the Age of the Mughals also fall into the same group (Manuel Keene, London, 2001, pp.70-154). All are similarly heavily encrusted with gemstones within gold settings and are attributed to Mughal India, 17th century. For a discussion on the form, please see the preceding lot.