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Moghul Jade : Carved Figure of Krishna as a Child browse these categories for related items... All Items: Indian Subcontinent: India: Hardstones: Pre 1800: item #582712
$1200.00 |
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This small nephrite jade carving of a child measures approximately 2 3/4 inches tall by 1 3/4 inches in width by 1 1/2 inches in depth ( 70 mm x 45 mm x 35mm) It has colors ranging from a deep greenish gray celadon color to a pale off white stained down to a pale speckled yellow gray by oxidation ( on the rear/ backside). The Mogul emperors (1526-1857)were patrons and connoisseurs of the arts. The Rajput maharajas, who spent time at the Moghul court after their subjugation, were influenced by the wealth they saw and commissioned additional decorative arts for their courts, The courts of the Moguls had workshops attached to them called karkhanas. The most skilled craftsmen were employed there and they were mostly local workers. Craftsmen were valued so highly that when Timor massacred the inhabitants of Delhi in 1398, he spared the Indian craftsmen and recruited large numbers into his service. The local artisans employed in the karkhanas were either converts to Islam or were former slaves. Moghul-trained Muslim artists also entered into the service of the Rajput courts. The number of foreign craftsmen who came to India was fairly small. Many of the foreigners who were employed in the royal workshops were highly skilled craftsmen who usually acted as the guide and teacher of their local counterparts. The materials from which objects were made as well as the level of sophistication and ornamentation were important indicators of the wealth and standing of those who commissioned them. Thus, objects made of jade and gold were usually produced for the Moghul court. Imperial items were also generally more ornate and spectacular than those made for the other Indian courts. The finest articles produced by the royal workshops were usually given away as gifts or were used for ceremonial purposes. |
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