Jade in South Asia

This horn-shaped jade priming flask is of gray-green nephrite with opaque mottling and black inclusions. The tip is shaped like a flower bud with leaves extending along the shaft. The circular end is decorated with a lotus medallion in low relief, inset with a green stone. Another lotus medallion supports the spring mechanism and suspension loop, set with semiprecious stones. The European-style silver mount on the body is of Indian workmanship and is inset with gems.

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.

Firearms, introduced from Europe, were used by the Mughals in warfare. Powder horns for priming their muskets and matchlocks were sometimes made of precious materials, such as jade, believed to bring victory in battles.

Very thin walls and delicately carved foliage are typical features of Mughal Indian jades. The enameled handles and foot of this cup were fashioned in France, where the jade was likely brought by a traveler returning from India. Parisian jeweler Jules Wièse (1819–1890) stamped his identifying mark on the foot and one of the handles.