A rare Mughal mould-blown glass spittoon (PIKDAN), India, early 18th century

the colourless glass body of squat globular form with a wide flanged rim, the exterior body moulded with vertical ribs

some staining, 2 chips to the base, overall good condition, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Glass spittoons are extremely rare and would have been highly prized by the Mughal court. This piece is an example from the first half of the eighteenth century with its globular base and large splayed upper section. A spittoon of similar form and date is in the Victoria and Albert Museum (see Dikshit 1969 plate XXXA). This magnificent piece is decorated and gilded with a floral diaper pattern and like the present example would have been regarded as a luxury item within the Mughal court. From the mid-eighteenth century the bulbous bowl and flanged rim gave way to a double bell-shaped form, as seen in an example in the al-Sabah Collection (see Carboni 2001, cat. no. 105).