Bottle with Gilded Flowers

Unknown

18th century · Glass, purple; mold blown, gilded · Islamic Art

Square bottles of this type derive from Dutch and German molded vessels, which would have been imported after the Dutch East India Company established a trade factory in Gujarat in 1618. In the mid-18th century, a successful glass factory was opened in Bhuj by Ram Singh Malam, a Gujarati craftsman who returned to India after spending time in the Netherlands. His patron, Maharao Lakha (r. 1741–60) was the ruler of the kingdom of Kutch, and this support resulted in the production of many fine glasswares in the region. This bottle is ornamented with mihrab-shaped arches over large flower motifs.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Glass, purple; mold blown, gilded

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1975