A rare Mughal Enamel and Diamond Cup, early 19th Century

The Mughal cup is finely decorated with a combination of red, white, blue, green "Meenakari" enamel on high carat gold. The design takes inspiration from flora and fauna of the Indian subcontinent (paisley, birds, leaves, etc). It is further encrusted with rose-cut diamonds on the edges.

During the Mughal period (1520s - 1850s), arts and artists in India were highly promoted and it was the epitome of culture and artistry on the subcontinent. This "Meenakari" enamel work was made mostly in Northern India during the Mughal empire, and is even part of the Indian jewellery making today. However older pieces from this era, such as this cup, are highly sought after by collectors on the subcontinent and world-wide.

Provenance: Austrian private collection