A rare pair of mother-of-pearl powder horns

Ships from The Netherlands

Limburg Antiquairs
Premier Seller
Measurements
Height: 12 cm, Width: 18 cm, Depth: 18 cm
Reference
LIMA100999
Categories
Decorative Arts Decorative Objects Desk Accessories
Periods
18th Century Antique
Origins
India
Description
The turbo shell bodies with registers around the top composed of applied mother-of-pearl forming an arcaded design, the tops with rosette motif leading to knop finials with silver stoppers attached to the body with a chain, one with belt attachment loop on the body
 
One of the most prized exotic materials to feature in the princely Kunstkammern were the shells of the turbo snails. Found in the Indian and Pacific oceans, the natural shiny and iridescent surface of the shells made a vivid impression on 16th and 17th century collectors as these were truly objects from another world. They were highly prized in the west so that they were mounted up in silver and silver gilt, sometimes very elaborately, to create "nautilus cups". 
 

Gujarat, India, 17th/18th century

 

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