A Mughal agate jar, India, 17th/18th century
Auction Closed
March 31, 12:40 PM GMT
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
of compressed globular form on a splayed foot, the short neck with a ridged rim, of milky colour with mottled brown inclusions
7.8cm. height; 10cm. diam.
Sotheby's London, 28 April 1994, lot 282 and 24 April 1990, lot 204.
The Mughal period is notable for its output of hardstone carving, most notably jade, but agate was also much admired for its decorative qualities. There is indeed an effervescent quality to colour and inclusions of the agate from which this jar was carved. The form recalls that of the nephrite inkpot of the emperor Jahangir (r.1605-28), now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no.29.145.2). For related forms in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, see Catalogue of a special exhibition of Hindustan Jade in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1983.