A large Indo-Portuguese Gujarat mother-of-pearl bowl on foot
Gujarat, Indo-Portuguese, late 16th/early 17th century
The large boat-shaped bowl, carved from the side of an exceptionally large turbo shell (Turbo marmoratus) is placed on a raised octagonal foot.
H. 12.7 x W. 17.5 x D. 8.5 cm
Provenance:
Private collection, United Kingdom
During the mediaeval time, Gujarati artists made elegant mother-of-pearl caskets, mirrors, and boxes. The delicate craft of inlaying and carving sparkling mother-of-pearl from seashells produced elegant goods valued worldwide.
Portuguese traders who had created routes to India in the 16th century were intrigued by these exquisite artefacts and began exporting them to Europe, where they were considered exotic and opulent. These pieces, frequently embellished with Islamic and Hindu designs, symbolised wealth and taste in Portuguese and other European courts.
The large boat-shaped bowl, carved from the side of an exceptionally large turbo shell (Turbo marmoratus) is placed on a raised octagonal foot.
H. 12.7 x W. 17.5 x D. 8.5 cm
Provenance:
Private collection, United Kingdom
During the mediaeval time, Gujarati artists made elegant mother-of-pearl caskets, mirrors, and boxes. The delicate craft of inlaying and carving sparkling mother-of-pearl from seashells produced elegant goods valued worldwide.
Portuguese traders who had created routes to India in the 16th century were intrigued by these exquisite artefacts and began exporting them to Europe, where they were considered exotic and opulent. These pieces, frequently embellished with Islamic and Hindu designs, symbolised wealth and taste in Portuguese and other European courts.
Part of the Indian Ocean collection.
