Gem-Set Bottle

Public Domain

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Images(6)

Artist Unknown

CultureIndian

Titles

Gem-Set Bottle

Datemid-17th century

MediumGold with diamonds, emeralds, and rubies

Dimensions1 5/8 × 1 1/2 in. diameter (4.1 × 3.8 cm)

Credit LineMuseum purchase funded by the 2015 Art of the Islamic Worlds Gala

Object number2015.68.A,.B

Current Location

The Caroline Wiess Law Building

113 Islamic Art Gallery

On view

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Department

Art of the Islamic Worlds

Object Type

VESSELS

DescriptionThis miniature bottle is a rare survival of the exquisitely worked bejeweled objects beloved by the Mughal emperors. The bottle set with table-cut diamonds, rubies, and emeralds is fitted with a diamond-encrusted stopper to which is attached an applicator of gold for kohl or scent. Sumptuous objects like this reflect individualized shapes and few are alike.
ProvenancePrivate collection, England; [Spink & Son, London, 1999]; [Simon Ray Limited, London]; purchased by MFAH, 2015.
Published References Manuel Keene and Sue Kaoukji, Treasury of the World: Jewelled Arts of India in the Age of the Mughals, The al-Sabah Collection. Catalogue and exhibition at MFAH, 2002. Navina Haidar and Courtney Ann Stewart, Treasures from India: Jewels from the Al-Thani Collection, Metropolitan Museum, New York, 2014. Stephen Markel, Jade, Jewels and Objects d'Art, chapter four in Pal et al, "Romance of the Taj Mahal," Los Angeles, 1989, pp. 148-149. Susan Stronge, Made for Mughal Emperors: Royal Treasures from Hindustan, London, 2010. Robert Skelton et al, The Indian Heritage: Court Life and Arts under Mughal Rule, 1982. Mark Zebrowski, Gold, Silver and Bronze in Mughal India, 1997. Stuart Cary Welch, India: Art and Culture, 1300-1900. New York, 1985.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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