Lot 226. A carved nephrite jade bowl set with hardstones, Mughal, 18th century; 17cm. diam.; 7.7cm. height. Estimate 18,000 — 25,000 GBP. Lot Sold 22,500 GBP. Photo: Sotheby’s.

the nephrite carved with foot ring, flared walls and everted rim, the exterior decorated with a register of poppy plants inlaid with gold wire and set with carved orange hardstones.

Notes: This bowl belongs to an exceptional group of inlaid jade objects that date from the early eighteenth century. In describing this group George Michel states « One of the most lavish combinations of materials to be found anywhere in Mughal style is that which juxtaposes semiprecious stones with jade » (Michel 2007, p.49). All of the pieces combine a smooth jade body inlaid with intricately carved hardstones that are enclosed within gold wire borders. This group of jades are not only of the highest quality but also aptly demonstrate the Mughals’ acute awareness of naturalistic detail. Included within this group are a pair of huqqa bowls in the British Museum (Skelton 1982, no.366), formerly in the collection of William Beckford who acquired the majority of his Indian works of art from Col. Antoine Polier (see lots 270-2). Other pieces are found in the Victoria & Albert Museum (inv. no. 02593 I.S.), the collection of the Rana of Mewar (Watt 1903, pl.75) and the National Palace Museum, Taipei. The exact place of production has not been determined but Lucknow seems most probable. 

Sotheby’s. Art of Imperial India, Londres | 08 oct. 2014, 02:30 PM