A Rare Mughal Style Gem-Set Jade Hand Mirror and Comb India, Late 19th Century

A Rare Mughal Style Gem-Set Jade Hand Mirror and Comb India, Late 19th Century

An exquisite and highly refined Mughal style toilet ensemble, comprising a hand mirror and matching comb, masterfully carved from luminous pale jade and richly embellished with gold, diamonds, and rubies. This elegant pairing exemplifies the luxurious artistry of the Mughal court, where objects of daily use were elevated into works of extraordinary refinement and prestige.

The mirror, of graceful tear-drop form, is framed by a delicately scalloped border set with cabochon rubies, creating a rhythmic jeweled halo that accentuates its sculptural silhouette. The handle and reverse are intricately decorated with scrolling vegetal motifs in finely chased gold, punctuated by ruby and diamond settings in the traditional kundan technique, lending both brilliance and dimensionality to the surface.

The accompanying comb, carved from translucent jade of similar tone, is equally adorned with gold-inlaid foliate ornament and gemstone accents, harmonizing perfectly with the mirror. Its refined proportions and meticulous detailing reflect the Mughal fascination with nature, expressed through stylized floral and vine patterns—motifs widely favored by the imperial ateliers.

Jade held a position of great prestige within the Mughal Empire, prized for its rarity, durability, and subtle translucency. The material was painstakingly worked through abrasion rather than carving, requiring immense skill and time, and was often reserved for the imperial workshops. Finished objects were frequently enriched with gold and precious stones, transforming them into symbols of courtly sophistication and royal taste.

Objects of this nature—personal adornments and grooming implements—were not merely utilitarian but served as intimate luxury items, often exchanged as gifts among nobility or commissioned for members of the royal household. Their survival today, especially as a matching set, is exceedingly rare.

This remarkable ensemble stands as a testament to the opulence and technical virtuosity of Mughal decorative arts, where the harmony of material, craftsmanship, and design culminates in objects of enduring beauty and cultural significance.

Provenance: The Alan and Simone Hartman Collection

Mirror: 8.5" high x 4" wide
Brush: 8" high x 2"

Very good condition. Small chip to the comb. Please see photos.