Enrica Medugno
Sale Coordinator
Lot 174
A gilt-silver Bezoar or Goa stone holder West India, probably Gujarat or Goa, late 17th/ early 18th Century
23 May 2023, 11:00 BST
London, New Bond StreetSold for £7,040 inc. premium
Looking for a similar item?
Our Islamic and Indian Art specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistAsk about this lot
Oliver White
Head of Department
A gilt-silver Bezoar or Goa stone holder
West India, probably Gujarat or Goa, late 17th/ early 18th Century
West India, probably Gujarat or Goa, late 17th/ early 18th Century
comprising two hemispherical sections, of pierced foliate openwork, chased and chiselled with intricate floral interlace, the interior with silver lining held by rivets, rosette to top and bottom of exterior
6 cm. high; 77.3 g.
6 cm. high; 77.3 g.
Footnotes
Calcified masses found in the stomachs of certain animals, bezoar stones were prized for their believed medicinal and talismanic powers. By the 17th Century, these stones had become a scarce commodity, leading to the creation of man-made 'Goa Stones' by Portuguese Jesuits residing in the area, formed by combining various organic and inorganic materials sometimes including bezoar itself. Elaborate holders such as the present lot reflect the prized nature of these stones, the value of which was often equal to, or greater than, their weight in gold.
A similar holder is in the British Museum, London, Acc. No. 1978,1002.804. For a further comparable holder sold at Sotheby's, see Arts of the Islamic World, 20 April 2016, Lot 137.
Additional information
Bid now on these items
