North Indian Rock Crystal Perfume Flask set with Gold, Diamonds, Rubies & Pearls

This perfume bottle or flask has been carved from rock crystal and is a fine example of Mughal or Mughal-inspired decorative arts. It is of slightly flattened conical form.

All sides are encrusted with diamonds, rubies and pearls in gold mounts arrayed in four floral sprays, together with a decorative band at the top, and with similar gold and gem decoration over the spherical stopper. Additionally, the shoulder of the vessel is lightly engraved with further scrollwork.

The interior is fitted with a silver scent dabber.

The floral sprays on the flask are the same as those on a similarly decorated rock crystal beaker attributed to 18th-19th century northern India now in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (see Dye, 2001, 415) and indeed the two might have come from the same workshop. A related gem-set beaker attributed to the second half of the 19th century comprised Lot 319 of Christie’s Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence, New York, June 19, 2019.

To decorate the flask, the lapidarist cut small chambers in the surface of the rock crystal, and then drilled many small holes. Gold was placed over the chambers and forced into the holes to anchor it. Silver leaf was applied over the gold that was to receive diamonds but much of this has worn away leaving only the gold. The diamonds, pearls and rubies were then put in situ and then held in place by crimping the gold around them.

The flask is in excellent condition. There are no losses to the inlay or stones.