Enamelled Gold Polychrome Beaker with Hindu Devotional Scenes on Exterior and Bottom
Date19th century
PeriodBritish India/Princely States
MediumEnameled gold
DimensionsOverall: 3 1/16 x 3 5/16 in. (7.8 x 8.4cm)
ClassificationsMetalwork
Credit LineCourtesy of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art
Object number44.12
DescriptionThe Mughal empire and its successors - a combination of British-ruled India and Princely States - was a deeply heterogenous place, with myriad languages, cultures, and religions existing and flourishing side by side. We know that the royal workshops of the Muslim Mughal courts, for example, were deeply influenced by the master Jain and Hindu craftspeople (among many others) who worked in them. This is a solid gold beaker/cup, richly enamelled with scenes of Hindu deities and their vahanas (vehicles/mounts). It pays tribute to a long line of master metalworking, jewellery making, and miniature painting skills honed for royal and courtly patrons.On View
On viewCollections
19th - 20th century
19th - 20th century
