λ A LARGE MOTHER-OF-PEARL GUN POWDER FLASK
Gujarat, Western India, 17th - 18th century

Formed from a turbo shell (gastropod), below the ivory opening two decorative registers composed of cut mother-of-pearl tesserae applied with brass pins in the style of a starry floral pattern on the top and in a rectangular baluster-like fashion around the neck, further mother-of-pearl vegetal decorations in the shape of leaves applied onto the main body with brass pins, the stopper now missing, with three oxidised belt rings at the back, approximately 16cm x 14cm.

Analogous Gujarati powder flasks have been successfully sold in the London art market at Christie's London, 7 December 2006, lot 24; Christie's South Kensington, 1 October 2012, lot 45; Bonhams London, 10 April 2008, lot 299; and in these Rooms, 26 October 2018, lot 268.

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