Wonderful Thing: Indian Fly Whisk

by Rainey Knudson February 13, 2012

This Mughal Dynasty (mid-18th c.) fly whisk is on view in the MFAH’s Indian art galleries. It’s an outstanding object which alone merits a visit to the museum. The MFAH purchased it in 2009, at the time of the opening of the Indian art gallery.

The handle is a remarkable example of ivory carving, but what’s even cooler is that the “hairs” of the whisk are themselves shaved ivory. The whole thing is about 30″ long. Go see it.

2 comments

2 comments

The Art Guys February 15, 2012 - 12:05

It’s amazing what you can do with dead elephants.

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Rainey Knudson February 15, 2012 - 20:00

In the 18th century it wasn’t poaching, it was art.

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