Mughal Gilt Glass Bottle
CultureIndian
Date18th century
MediumMold-blown, enameled, and gilded glass
Dimensions4 11/16 × 1 5/8 in. (11.9 × 4.1 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number2024.9.3
Collections
Not on view
DescriptionTwo small bottles that were mold-blown from transparent colorless glass that is thick and bubbly. Diagonal mold-seams and pontil scars can be seen on the base of the vessels. The bottles are tall and square in section, with rounded shoulders, a short neck, and a rounded mouth. The surfaces of the bottles are completely covered with ornate gold (likely painted on as a liquid) and colorful enameled decorations. Each bottle has two sides with matching motifs of large and colorful flowers arranged in a vertical line, and two sides with figural motifs. Bottle 2024.9.3 depicts yellow flowers with long pointed petals and two adult figures on opposing sides: on one side is a standing female figure dressed in red holding her hands down towards a young child; on the other side is a female figure dressed in blue holding a vina (stringed musical instrument) and raising one arm above her head, which is surrounded by frond-like branches. The gesture of the figures’ hands at their mouths is a visual sign for communication, speech, or singing.
ProvenancePrivate Dutch (Veilinghuis Peerdeman B.V.) collection in Amsterdam since 1956 | Mohtashemi from the Dutch auction house Zeeuws Veilinghuis on 12/12/2012 | CMA 2024
18th century
early 20th century
1972, printed 2023
early 20th century
Part/Part