A large Indian alabaster replica of the wine cup made for the Emperor Shah Jahan, 20th century, of gourd shape with handle modelled as a ram's head, the base with acanthus leaves radiating from a lotus flower, 42cm long, 14cm highFootnotes: The wine cup after which this lot is modelled was made in 1657 for the Emperor Shah Jahan, who ruled the Mughal Empire from 1628-58, and carved from white nephrite jade. The different features of the cup reflect the variety of cultural and artistic influences that were weed at the Mughal court. The use of a gourd form for the body of the cup is Chinese in inspiration, while the lotus petals and sensitivity of animal portraiture are characteristic features of Hindu art. The ideas of the pedestal support and the use of acanthus leaves are also European in origin and parallel similar elements in the decoration of Mughal architecture during Shah Jahan's reign. The cup is now in the V&A museum (no. IS.12-1962).