Mirror

Unknown

18th century · Jade · Islamic Art

The white jade case of this mirror is carved with symmetrical flowering plants accented with inset rubies. Jade working is an exceptionally time-consuming process that requires a great deal of skill due to the hard and brittle nature of the stone. Highly skilled artisans of the Mughal Empire carved works like this example from jade that they then inset with precious gems. These objects, decorated with floral motifs favored by the Mughal elite, were often exchanged as gifts.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Jade

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Bequest of Mary Clark Thompson, 1923