The Mogul emperors (1526-1857)were patrons and connoisseurs of the arts. The Rajput maharajas, who spent time at the Moghul court after their subjugation, were influenced by the wealth they saw and commissioned additional decorative arts for their courts, The courts of the Moguls had workshops attached to them called karkhanas. The most skilled craftsmen were employed there and they were mostly local workers. Craftsmen were valued so highly that when Timor massacred the inhabitants of Delhi in 1398, he spared the Indian craftsmen and recruited large numbers into his service. The local artisans employed in the karkhanas were either converts to Islam or were former slaves. Moghul-trained Muslim artists also entered into the service of the Rajput courts. The number of foreign craftsmen who came to India was fairly small. Many of the foreigners who were employed in the royal workshops were highly skilled craftsmen who usually acted as the guide and teacher of their local counterparts. The materials from which objects were made as well as the level of sophistication and ornamentation were important indicators of the wealth and standing of those who commissioned them. Thus, objects made of jade and gold were usually produced for the Moghul court. Imperial items were also generally more ornate and spectacular than those made for the other Indian courts. The finest articles produced by the royal workshops were usually given away as gifts or were used for ceremonial purposes.

This silver Turkoman or Kazak fibula (breastplate) measures approximately nine inches from top to bottom. The diamond shape measures about five inches side to side or 4 1/2 inches when measured straight across as a square. It is about 1/4 inch or 6-7 mm in thickness. It appears to be solid rather than hollow. It has a black linen pad hand stitched to the reverse , which helps to document that it was actually a family heirloom, rather than merely having been produced to sell to tourists. It dates from the latter part of the 19th century and is in excellent condition. It is inset with carnelian, jade and black onyx or jet cabachons. It is covered on the front with gilding and triangular silver shapes covered with silver dots. It is unmarked, but guaranteed to be about .900 silver or better. Many silversmiths melted old silver coins to obtain their silver for making jewelry. Most coins were about .900 silver in quality.

Condition is excellent except for a small bung (see enlargement). Overall, this is an outstanding work of art and much nicer than my poor photos would indicate. Any color changes in the photos are from the flash and not on the vase itself.