Uploaded June 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Courtney Stewart, senior research assistant in the Department of Islamic Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, presents a precious and notable object from the Aga Khan Museum Collection. Providing a glimpse into the opulence of India’s elite classes of the past, this perfume or snuff bottle was made in the 17th or 18th century, during the Mughal Empire, a period of profound wealth. The 24-carat-gold bottle is encrusted with red rubies; its top twists open to reveal a miniature spoon attached to the inside of the lid. It likely functioned as a holder for perfume or snuff, a flavoured scented tobacco product which was inhaled — the plant and the custom were introduced to India from the Americas.
To learn more about the artwork (accession number AKM891): agakhanmuseum.org/collection/artifact/perfume-or-snuff-bottle-akm891
The Museum’s Peer Perspective series features fascinating commentary and little-known facts from globally recognized scholars who have helped us open new windows on the masterworks in our Collection.
Courtney Stewart, senior research assistant in the Department of Islamic Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, presents a precious and notable object from the Aga Khan Museum Collection. Providing a glimpse into the opulence of India’s elite classes of the past, this perfume or snuff bottle was made in the 17th or 18th century, during the Mughal Empire, a period of profound wealth. The 24-carat-gold bottle is encrusted with red rubies; its top twists open to reveal a miniature spoon attached to the inside of the lid. It likely functioned as a holder for perfume or snuff, a flavoured scented tobacco product which was inhaled — the plant and the custom were introduced to India from the Americas.
To learn more about the artwork (accession number AKM891): agakhanmuseum.org/collection/artifact/perfume-or-snuff-bottle-akm891
The Museum’s Peer Perspective series features fascinating commentary and little-known facts from globally recognized scholars who have helped us open new windows on the masterworks in our Collection.
