Imperial workshops, courtly forms, and regional brilliance.
Cover 16th-18th century imperial and regional metalwork.
A new early modern landscape
From the 16th to 18th centuries, large empires and regional courts shaped metalwork in new ways. Ottoman, Safavid, Mughal, Deccani, Central Asian, and North African worlds produced objects for palaces, mosques, markets, domestic interiors, arms, ceremonial hospitality, and long-distance trade.
Techniques and materials
Ottoman tombak gilding transformed copper alloy objects into gold-like surfaces. Safavid and Persianate workshops excelled in engraved copper alloys, steel, arms, and calligraphic surfaces. Mughal and Deccani courts favored luxurious vessels, jeweled objects, weapons, and in the Deccan, bidriware: a dark zinc-alloy body enlivened with silver or brass inlay.
Court, market, and household
The page should balance imperial court objects with market and household wares. A copper cooking vessel, a tinned basin, a coffee pot, a hookah base, or a pilgrim flask can be as historically rich as a royal dagger. Metalwork is a history of meals, washing, hospitality, scent, light, writing, smoking, prayer, and public display.
Featured Museum Examples
Base for a Water Pipe (Huqqa) with Irises
late 17th century, Bidar, Deccan, India
The Metropolitan Museum of Art