A fine Mughal ruby-set rock crystal bowl, India, 18th Century

of deep, eight-lobed form, decorated on the exterior with inlaid gold wire outlines and mounted rubies, featuring floral stems on each lobe, the base with a carved flowerhead

In good condition, very small chip to edge of base, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This beautiful and delicate lobed bowl was carved from rock crystal and inlaid with gold in the kundan technique and set with rubies. It can be compared with two cups from the Al-Sabah Collection in the Kuwait National Museum (inv. No. LNS 208 HS and LNS 368 HS, illustrated in Keene 2001, p.33, nos. 2.6 and 2.7). This bowl also features a carved flowerhead at its centre, resembling the cover of a carved rock crystal box dated to the seventeenth century now in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. No.  IM.330&A-1920).