The technique of enamelling was introduced to the Indian subcontinent in the late sixteenth century, when craftsmen from the court of the Mughal emperor Akbar (r.1556–1605) were sent to learn from European craftsmen based in Portuguese Goa. Enamelling consists of coloured glass fused to metal at very high temperatures to create a decorative and hardwearing outer layer. By the nineteenth century, enamel production had been established in several centres in north India, such as Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Benares and Sindh, each one developing its own styles and colour palettes.

Indian Gold and Jewellery

Interest in Mughal and Indian art and design has grown in recent years, as the V&A’s current major exhibition The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence attests, and similar examples to the pieces included in this Dreweatts’ auction can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal Collection.

Dreweatts has had the honour of dealing with many rare Indian antique pieces from the same private collection, such as this intricately designed gold bracelet, this early 20th century Maraka head bangle, or this collar necklace with chased geometric decoration and matching pendant earrings, all sold in Dreweatts' auction of Fine Jewellery (19 March 2025).

Our forthcoming auction on 21 and 22 May 2025 auction includes a fine collection of Indian jewelled boxes and enamelled pieces, in gold, silver, rock crystal and hardstone, and variously decorated with inlaid gold wire flower and leaf designs embellished with rubies, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds (lots 522, 528 and 530).

Lustrous Jade and Delicate Crystal

Other highlights include a pale celadon jade box and cover (lot 45) in Mughal-style and with C.T. Loo (b. 1880- d.1957) provenance - the famous and fashionably dressed art dealer of Chinese origin who maintained galleries in Paris and New York; and Lot 529 - a fine Mughal rock crystal cup, formerly in a European noble collection between 1946-1950.

Mughal Daggers

No less dazzling is the fine collection of Mughal daggers, with distinctive, intricate carved and gemstone inlaid handles, in jade, agate, and rock crystal, and variously shaped in the form of a ‘pistol grip’ (lots 43, 495, 496 and 504), leaf motifs (lots 498, 500, 508), or animal heads including a horse (lot 507) and a ram’s head (lot 505).

These daggers were used as both weapons and symbols of power, with jewelled versions reserved for the emperor and imperial family. Some have watered steel blades - a highly prized material for its strength and pattern.

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Auction Details

Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 May 2025, 10.30am BST

Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

Browse Day One

Browse Day Two

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VIEWING IN LONDON (HIGHLIGHTS)
Thursday 8 May: 10am–4pm
Friday 9 May: 10am–4pm
Sunday 11 May: 10am–4pm

VIEWING IN NEWBURY (FULL SALE)
Friday 16 May: 10am–4pm
Sunday 18 May: 10am–3pm
Monday 19 May: 10am–4pm
Tuesday 20 May: 10am–4pm
Wednesday 21 May: 9am–4pm
Thursday 22 May: 9am–11am

FURTHER INFORMATION: 
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