Wine cup in the shape of a turban gourd

Jade in South Asia

Jade objects were popular in the Mughal period (1526– 1858), especially during the reign of Emperor Jahangir (1605–1627), who was a sophisticated patron of the arts. Jade was used in many ways: for vessels, as ornaments on weapons, and for personal adornment. Mughal jades are noted for fine workmanship, especially their extremely thin walls, their smoothly finished surfaces, and the precision and skill of their floral designs. The color of the jade also points to this period, for green was the preferred color during Jahangir’s reign.

This piece of translucent dark-green nephrite is conceived in the shape of a turban gourd cut in half. The walls are thinly crafted, and the ribs are precisely depicted. Five overlapping leaves on the base act as a support.

This bowl is inscribed in Persian along one rim:  “Drink at the command of God,” identifying it as a drinking vessel.