Vase

About the Art

For millennia, India has excelled at jewelry production, especially during the reign of the Mughals, Central Asian Muslims who ruled over much of the subcontinent. This vase is a good example of the extensive trade networks of the time, combining diamonds from India with jade from Central Asia and rubies from Myanmar. The jewels are set using a technique known as kundan, in which layers of 24-carat gold foil are packed around each jewel.

FEATURED IMAGE
Artist(s) unknown (India, Mughal Empire, 1526–1857), Vase, 18th century, jade (nephrite), diamonds, rubies and gold, 5 1/4 x 4 1/4 inches (13.3 x 10.8 cm). Gift of Mrs. Virginia W. Kettering, 1976.274