Cup with European mount

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.

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.