Mastani Of Bhaji Rao 18th Century Reverse Glass Painting
Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Material
Glass
Style
Antique, Oriental, Chinese Antiques
Product Details
Description
Gouache on hand blown glass in original carved wooden frame 30.5cm x 24.5cm. China circa 1750
Superb and very rare early reverse glass painting, most likely of the legendary Kutch Princess, Mastani. A beautiful and ethereal portrait on a soft blue ground that has acquired a lovely patina, adding a wealth of texture and interest. The carved frame has, unusually, been backed with sheet metal which is riveted to the frame and appears to be original to the piece. The glass, with its air bubbles and soft ripples across the surface, was hand blown in Europe before being sent to China where the painting was commissioned by visiting Indian dignitaries.
The palace at Aina Mahal in Kutch has several similar reverse glass portraits in it’s collection, with the subject being attributed as “Mastani, Famous Dancer at Bhaji Rao Court”. According to the palace museum, businessmen from Kutch traveled to China in the 18th century and brought back the first examples of reverse glass painting, presenting them to the Rao (Rao Lakhpatji), later commissioning portraits and mythological scenes. Mastani, who died a year before Rao Lakhpatji began his reign, would have been a natural subject.
Well represented in Indian novels and cinema, Mastani has been the subject of both admiration and controversy. Though her story is a little too complex to relate in this context, she was known to be skilled in arts, literature and warfare (as well as being a legendary dancer). A strategist both on the field and at home, she was also trained in close combat.
Condition: Excellent condition. The blue ground is heavily patinated, possibly from oxidisation, though there is no sign of flaking or physical loss of paint, just variations in tone. The glass is free from damage, with air bubbles and subtle surface ripples from manufacture. The frame shows age related wear, as apparent in the images, but remains solid and robust with no structural issues.
See Bonhams Islamic and Indian Art 23 May 2023 Lot 168 for a similar example (https://www.bonhams.com/auction/28300/lot/168/a-bejewelled-courtesan-at-a-balcony-holding-a-flower-gujarat-late-18th-century/)
UK Mainland shipping is £35 via standard parcel courier. Dedicated courier is available, at £120 for mainland UK. Please contact for hard to reach parts of the UK or international shipping quote
Wear Condition
Good
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Additional Delivery Info from Seller
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
No
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Reviews
5.0
Based on 2 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
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What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
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| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
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