Mughal Lapis Lazuli Sculpture of an Elephant - PF.6147, Origin: India, Circa: 16 th Century AD to 19 th Century AD, Dimensions: 14.25" (36.2cm) high x 16" (40.6cm) wide,  More »

Mughal Lapis Lazuli Sculpture of an Elephant - PF.6147, Origin: India, Circa: 16 th Century AD to 19 th Century AD, Dimensions: 14.25" (36.2cm) high x 16" (40.6cm) wide, Collection: Asian Art, Style: Mughal, Medium: Lapis Lazuli. The elephant is one of the most sacred animals in the Subcontinent. This majestic creature is featured in the earliest extant cave paintings discovered in South Asia, indicating their importance. Elephants feature prominently in Indian mythology and religion. The Buddha’s mother was said to have dreamt of a white elephant before she gave birth to her son. The legendary story of an elephant named Ashvatthama is detailed in the epic poem Mahabharata. The elephant is also regarded as the vahana, or “carriage of the gods.” Likewise, kings on earth often imitated their divine counterparts and rode on the backs of elephants. This practice is documented as early as the fourth century B.C. when Alexander the Great battled with the Indian King Porus. Elephants also served an active, prominent role in war, both for their imposing presence as well as their strength, durability, and mobility. Throughout the history of the Subcontinent, elephants have been revered as represented in painting, sculpture, and textiles. Today, Ganesh, the elephant-headed god of prosperity and well-being, remains one of the most popular deities in the Hindu pantheon.   « Less

Inlaid Bidri Hookah Base - JB.1333, Origin: India, Circa: 18 th Century AD to 19 th Century AD, Dimensions: 5.7" (14.5cm) high, Collection: Islamic art, Style: Bidri, Medium:  More »

Inlaid Bidri Hookah Base - JB.1333, Origin: India, Circa: 18 th Century AD to 19 th Century AD, Dimensions: 5.7" (14.5cm) high, Collection: Islamic art, Style: Bidri, Medium: Steel, Silver.   « Less

Bronze Attachment in the Shape of an Elephant - AMD.256, Origin: India, Circa: 1600 AD to 1700 AD, Dimensions: 13.1" (33.3cm) high, Collection: Islamic Art, Medium: Bronze.

Bronze Attachment in the Shape of an Elephant - AMD.256, Origin: India, Circa: 1600 AD to 1700 AD, Dimensions: 13.1" (33.3cm) high, Collection: Islamic Art, Medium: Bronze.   « Less

Mughal Marble Maze/Labyrinth Fountain - X.222A, Origin: India, Circa: 16 th Century AD to 18 th Century AD, Dimensions: 27.5" (69.9cm) high x 24.75" (62.9cm) wide,  More »

Mughal Marble Maze/Labyrinth Fountain - X.222A, Origin: India, Circa: 16 th Century AD to 18 th Century AD, Dimensions: 27.5" (69.9cm) high x 24.75" (62.9cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Mughal, Medium: Marble. The Mughal Dynasty was founded by Zahiru al- Din Babur upon three successive victorious battles that allowed him to secure control of northern India. A Muslim minority in a Hindu land, the Mughal would rule India from 1526- 1858. After Babur, each ruler managed to extend Mughal dominance over the natives until the entire subcontinent was under their authority, from the foothills of the Himalayas all the way to the southern tip of Cape Comorin. However, soon after, Emperor Aurangzeb abandoned the religious tolerance that characterized the rule of his ancestors and attempted to convert the whole of India to Islam. This deliberate change in policy naturally ignited numerous rebellions. As the revolts spread across the land, including groups that had been loyal to the Mughals for many generations, the arrival of the Europeans added further complications. The ambitions of the European powers extended beyond mere trade, and their superior military power and organization completely stripped the Mughal of any naval power. The Mughal Dynasty continued onward, becoming successively weaker and weaker with each ruler until the British finally overcame both the Mughals and the native Hindus by exploiting their animosity towards each other, ending a three hundred year period of Muslim rule in the subcontinent.   « Less

Rock Crystal Vessel in the Shape of a Bull - SF.074, Origin: India, Circa: 1600 AD to 1800 AD, Dimensions: 2.75" (7.0cm) high x 3" (7.6cm) wide, Collection: Asian art, Style:  More »

Rock Crystal Vessel in the Shape of a Bull - SF.074, Origin: India, Circa: 1600 AD to 1800 AD, Dimensions: 2.75" (7.0cm) high x 3" (7.6cm) wide, Collection: Asian art, Style: Mughal, Medium: Rock Crystal.   « Less

Gold Perfume Vessel in the Form of a Fish - OS.352, Origin: India, Circa: 20 th Century AD, Dimensions: 4.25" (10.8cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Mughal-Style,  More »

Gold Perfume Vessel in the Form of a Fish - OS.352, Origin: India, Circa: 20 th Century AD, Dimensions: 4.25" (10.8cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Mughal-Style, Medium: Gold, Turquoise.   « Less

Pair of Mughal Bracelets with Bird Finials - SK.066, Origin: India, Circa: 1700 AD to 1900 AD, Collection: Asian Art, Style: Mughal, Medium: Enamel.

Pair of Mughal Bracelets with Bird Finials - SK.066, Origin: India, Circa: 1700 AD to 1900 AD, Collection: Asian Art, Style: Mughal, Medium: Enamel.   « Less

Inlaid Bidri Lidded Jar - AM.0402, Origin: India, Circa: 18 th Century AD, Dimensions: 4.5 " (11.4cm) high x 4" (10.2cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Bidri, Medium:  More »

Inlaid Bidri Lidded Jar - AM.0402, Origin: India, Circa: 18 th Century AD, Dimensions: 4.5 " (11.4cm) high x 4" (10.2cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Bidri, Medium: Steel, Silver.   « Less

Mughal Steel Dagger - AM.0456, Origin: India, Circa: 19 th Century AD, Dimensions: 16.22" (41.2cm) high x 3.54 " (9.0cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Mughal, Medium:  More »

Mughal Steel Dagger - AM.0456, Origin: India, Circa: 19 th Century AD, Dimensions: 16.22" (41.2cm) high x 3.54 " (9.0cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Mughal, Medium: Steel, Velvet.   « Less

Mughal Jade Cane Handle with Two Antelopes - LK.247, Origin: India, Circa: 18 th Century AD to 19 th Century AD, Dimensions: 2.91" (7.4cm) high x 6.29" (16.0cm) wide,  More »

Mughal Jade Cane Handle with Two Antelopes - LK.247, Origin: India, Circa: 18 th Century AD to 19 th Century AD, Dimensions: 2.91" (7.4cm) high x 6.29" (16.0cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Mughal, Medium: Jade.   « Less