Bottle and salver c. 1870 - 1875
Gold, enamel, diamonds and a ruby | 26.5 x 18.8 x 18.8 cm (whole object) | RCIN 11427
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A gold scent bottle and salver enamelled with designs of flowers and animals, and inlaid with diamonds, and a ruby on the hinged lid of the bottle. The salver is decorated with cheetah, deer, elephants, and peacocks and has a rim of openwork enamelled tulips. The tray's feet are modelled and enamelled to resemble yali, elephant-headed lions often depicted in Hindu temples.
The production of enamelled objects in India usually involved numerous craftsmen: first a designer (chitrakar) would prepare the design of the object; next a goldsmith (sunar) would form the article from gold or silver. Next an engraver (gharai) would incise the pattern to allow for the enameller (minakar) to apply the various enamel colours.
This perfume holder underwent numerous firings to allow for each different colour of enamel to be applied. Colours that have a higher resistance to fire, such as white, were applied first and colours of lower resistance to fire such as red were applied last.
The bottle and salver are of exceptional quality. A similar bottle was made for Richard Bourke, 6th Earl of Mayo and Viceroy of India (1822–72) by the Jaipur School of Art where enamelled bottle and salver may have been made. The School of Art was set up in 1866 by Maharaja Ram Singh II to preserve the arts of Jaipur as well as teaching students new techniques from across India and Europe.
Provenance
Presented to King Edward VII, when Prince of Wales, during his tour of India in 1875-76 by Ram Singh II, Maharaja of Jaipur.
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Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Gold, enamel, diamonds and a ruby
Measurements
26.5 x 18.8 x 18.8 cm (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)
Place of Production
Jaipur [Rajasthan]