Glass vase with animal painting for Indian market 1670 - 1700

This anonymous glass vase, likely crafted for the Indian market, presents a fascinating study in form and surface decoration. Its structure is defined by a bulbous base, surmounted by a narrower, elongated neck that flares into an open, conical top. Delicate, painted motifs encircle the vase. Animals such as tigers, camels, and various birds are rendered in stylized forms, interspersed with floral designs and geometric patterns. Gold and brown hues dominate the palette, providing a subtle contrast against the transparency of the glass. The use of symmetry and repetition, inherent in the vase’s form and surface decoration, draws the eye around the object. The artist balances the organic motifs with the rigid geometry of the vase, creating a play between naturalism and abstraction. This tension between the form and the painted surface challenges our perception of the vessel, transforming it into a cultural object that merges function with a distinct aesthetic purpose.