Bottle, Indian, Mughal dynasty, 18th century. Zinc alloy with silver inlay; height: 27.6 cm; diameter of mouth: 4.8 cm; diameter of body: 16.5 cm; diameter of foot: 8.6 cm. Saint Louis Art Museum, Museum Purchase, 80:1923.

The silver inlay on this bottle is brilliantly highlighted against the black background. The bottle is composed of a zinc alloy that turns black when bathed in an acidic solution. Originating in the city of Bidar in India, this type of vessel is known as Bidri ware. It bears the type of floral decoration that is a major theme in the arts of the Islamic courts of India.