Matthew Thomas
Senior Specialist
Lot 107
An Indo-Portugese parcel-gilt silver goa stone Holder Gujarat, late 17th Century(2)
6 October 2015, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond Street£8,000 - £12,000
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An Indo-Portugese parcel-gilt silver goa stone Holder
Gujarat, late 17th Century
Gujarat, late 17th Century
made in two hemispherical halves, the holder is formed of two layers, the outer layer of silver openwork and hatched leaves arranged in registers, and the inner of hammered silver gilt, the two joined by a pin at each apex decorated with chased rosettes
7.2 cm. high; 137g.(2)
7.2 cm. high; 137g.(2)
Footnotes
The holder most likely contained a Goa stone, 'a concoction of Bezoar, Ambergese, Pearl, unicorn horn, coral and such other of the greatest cordial preservatives.' Goa stones were believed to be the 'corroborates and renewers of strength and youth', as well as being antidotes for poison. The stones were made by a group of Portuguese Jesuits living in Goa and were used instead of bezoar stones, which were becoming scarce by the 17th century. With the value of the Goa stones often equalling their weight in gold, it is understandable why such elaborate cases were made to contain them.
For comparison see the British Museum: 1978,1002.804 and the Science Museum (London) A66178.