Lot 138. A Mughal gem-set rock crystal cup, India, circa 18th century; 11.3cm. height.; 8.5cm. diam. Estimate 30,000 — 50,000 GBP. Lot sold 74,500 GBP. Photo Sotheby's

the rock crystal carved in the form of a cup, set with gold floral tendrils highlighted with rubies, emerald and diamonds, in custom velvet box.

Provenance: Formerly in a European Noble Collection, acquired between 1946 and 1950

Note: Rock crystal objects inlaid with precious stones and of courtly quality from the Mughal period are extremely rare. The present example stands out in the intricacy of its decoration, achieved on a block of rock crystal, an incredibly hard stone to carve, representing a feat of craftsmanship as well as beauty.

Each gold wire outline appears to have been set in place with a special adhesive within holes minutely drilled at forty-five degree angles. The gemstones would then have been set into the wire, forming a lush and abundant design of floral stems.

A number of comparable examples of rock crystal objects set with colourful gemstones, including dagger hilts, a box and cups of smaller dimensions are in the Al-Sabah Collection (see Keene 2001, pp.30-35).

Sotheby's. Arts of the Islamic World, London, 09 avr. 2014