Photograph by Ed Pollard, Hasselblad H4D50 - 2024.

Images(6)

Mughal Gilt Glass Bottle

Date18th century

MediumMold-blown, enameled, and gilded glass

Dimensions4 11/16 × 1 5/8 in. (11.9 × 4.1 cm)

ClassificationsGlass

Credit LineMuseum purchase

Object number2024.9.4

On View

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).