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A nautilus-shaped powder flask entirely covered with evenly toned mother-of-pearl plaques, precisely cut and applied in tight formation. The surface is smooth and uniform, with a soft iridescence. Topped with a carved green jade stopper, shaped as a lotus bud.
Mother-of-pearl flasks of this kind were produced in India for local use and export, often associated with princely hunting culture. Their form and craftsmanship reflect a fusion of Mughal aesthetics and coastal artisanal traditions, particularly from Gujarat, where shell inlay was a longstanding specialty. These objects were both functional and ornamental, prized for the precision of their decoration and the luminous quality of their materials.