Handle of a fly whisk, made from several pieces of carved ivory
India; 2nd half of 17th century
L: 21.5; Diam: 6.5 cm
Inventory number 215/2006
In the miniatures of the Mughal period, the servants of noble personages carry fly whisks, but very few of them have been preserved today.
One type of fly whisk had a long handle with hair from a yak’s tail, to gently brush away flies. This handle belongs to a different and shorter type that held long, colorful peacock’s feathers. The servant could use this type of whisk not only to shoo away flies, but also to create a gentle, cooling breeze for his master.
The flower decoration on the upper part of the handle has remnants of the original paint. The bottom of the handle ends in a poppy-like bud.
One type of fly whisk had a long handle with hair from a yak’s tail, to gently brush away flies. This handle belongs to a different and shorter type that held long, colorful peacock’s feathers. The servant could use this type of whisk not only to shoo away flies, but also to create a gentle, cooling breeze for his master.
The flower decoration on the upper part of the handle has remnants of the original paint. The bottom of the handle ends in a poppy-like bud.
Published in
Published in
J. P. Losty and F. Galloway: Sringaran: exhibition celebrating divine and erotic love, Francesca Galloway, London 2007, cat.no. 6, pp. 24-25;
