Early Mughal Aquamarine Gemstone with Male Portrait

A carved twelve-fluted green onyx bowl with a slightly flared rim and basal ring. 315 grams, 15 cm wide

Fine condition.

London collection since the 1980s. Ex property of a Canadian family.

Depicting two celestial musicians: one holding a stringed instrument, head turned to the right; the other playing a drum, head turned to the left; each positioned to create a sense of movement and carved with very fine details, including carefully manicured hair and facial hair, extensive jewellery and beautifully crisp eyelids; mounted on modern steel bases. 55.1 kg total, 53 cm high including stand each



Private collection, Rome, acquired in the 1980s. with Christie's, New York, Indian and Southeast Asian Art, 21 September 2007, no.70 [$60,000-$80,000]. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13376-259008.

Sculpture and music have played a prominent part in the cultural development of Indian civilisation. From the representation of the dynamic art of music and dancing on sculpture, we can acquire knowledge of the type of music and dance practised at different periods, and in the study of the history and evolution of music in general and musical instruments in particular.

Drum-shaped in profile with broad shoulder and mouth, flared rim; concentric painted bands to the shoulder and sidewall, with hatched and geometric detailing. 324 grams, 11.8 cm wide



Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. London, UK, collection.