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 number2024.9.4
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 2024.9.4 depicts pink and red rose-like flowers, and two adult figures: on one side is a male figure dressed in a red jamas (robe), striped turban with sarpech (gilded turban ornament), seated on a throne-like chair with his hand at his mouth; on the other side is a standing female figure facing left with her hand at her mouth, wearing a traditional choli (bodice) and blue lehenga (skirt).
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