Lot 145. Five Mughal jade stem cups, India, circa 18th century. Each: 5cm height; 4.1cm diam. Estimate 30,000 — 40,000 GBP. Lot sold 68,500 GBP. Photo Sotheby's 2014.

of carved jade, each set with colourful gemstones, including rubies, emeralds and diamonds set in the kundan technique with floral motifs. Quantité: 5. 

Note: Whereas the elegant form of these jade cups, with a deep bowl on a tall lightly splayed foot, derive from Chinese models, their inlaid decoration is characteristic of Mughal taste. The jade is highlighted by the colourful inset gemstones, which were enhanced by their flat cut and a foil backing as was the custom to render them brighter. A stem cup of similar form, set only with rubies around the foot, is in the Guthrie Collection in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London (inv. no. 02546 IS).

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