This small elaborate Buddhist monk's medicine bottle is sewn into a larger pouch of burgundy homespun wool fabric with yellow/gold silk lining. When worn, the stopper would be securely held in the bottle by a system of handmade cords and bands. The medicine bottle would be worn outside the robes and suspended on the Monk's belt. These were used for both travel and ceremonies.

Lime box of round shape, its lid with embossed decor of the Buddhist Wheel of the Law on top, foliage design under it, surmounting a series of dragons in clouds below, the whole on an elaborate tiny lotus decor. The sides of the lid are decorated with a geometric incised design of a cross and a kind of Greek key. The sides of the body of the box are also decorated with this cross and Greek key design. Beneath the box, an incised decor of Buddhist svastika and flowers...

Superbly cast bird perch, of curved shape, with four dragon heads in the round. Bronze, with fine greenish patina. Himalayan Region, 18th century. Dimensions: length: 3 5/8" (9 cm), height: 3 1/8" (8 cm). Excellent condition. A rare and fine piece. Collected in Nepal in 1974 by its former owner.

Superbly cast bird perch, of curved shape, with two dragon heads and two bird heads in the round. Bronze, with fine greenish patina. Himalayan Region, 18th century. Dimensions: length: 3 3/4" (9,5 cm), height: 2 7/8" (7,3 cm). Excellent condition. A rare and fine piece. Collected In Nepal in 1974 by its former owner.

This is a Tibetan Ritual Celestial Crown also know as a Diadem or Ringga. It is worn by a necromancer or oracle during rituals. The "crown" consists of 5 separate paintings on paper and each painting is backed with thin cardboard for stiffness. The sections are connected with string. When worn, the crown is tied around the head with string. The sections are painted with the five Dhayani, celestial Buddhas, each painted with his traditional color and gesture...

Beautiful Indian silver repouse bowl decorated with scenes from the life of Shiva in deeply hammered bas relief, 19th century. Weight 201 grams. Size: 11 1/2" wide x 8" high

Highly unusual mask, which has kept the original shape of the tree trunk from which it was carved. The mask itself is carved in a kind of "reverse relief", its features hollowed out, except for its nose. One round hole at ear level on each side. Wood, with brown semi-glossy patina. Himalayan Region, early 20th century. Height: 12" (30 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand which enhances its strange beauty...

Rare and nicely mounted Terracota votive tablet depicting serene seated Buddha, excellent condition, 6.5 x 4.5 cm

This elaborate beaded breastplate would have been worn for festivals by a wealthy Tibetan woman. The main section has 3 ornate silver and turquoise ornaments surrounded by a raised beaded coil which is bordered with cowrie shells. The neckline rolled and padded.

It is 13 inches across at the widest point and can be tied around the neck using the attached fabric ties. As is obvious in the pictures, there are a couple areas of lose on the turquoise ornaments.

This old drum from Nepal was used for festival and carried in parades. The man would use the left hand to hold the drum by the handmade ropes across the back of the drum. He would use the right hand to strike the drum skin. The chains and metal bits hanging from the bottom would add an extra "jangle" sound while drum moving. Clearly made as folk art instrument, the drum is somewhat out of round and about 18" at the widest diameter.

6.75" in diameter, this footed Kakiemon porcelain bowl is molded in the form of a twenty-four petal chrysanthemum, and is is decorated with bijins and delicate sprays of flowers over blue underglaze. Ex-Christie's

Condition: Excellent, with no chips, hairlines or repairs.

This Mongolian oil lamp was made in 3 sections, which were then "welded" together. From the 3 seam marks, it appears that the base was made from 3 parts which were joined and hammered into shape. The stem was a long square length of rod which was twisted during heating. Typically, these lamp stands would have a shallow bowl with a short dull spike for a candle, or a tripod oil bowl could also be placed on the top bowl according to the owners resources and preferences...

Pichhwai, temple painting, of Radha and Krishna in the Garden, Kishangarh Style, this Hindu scene of the God Krishna and his beautiful consort, the Goddess Radha takes place in a lush garden. The sacred mountain rises up behind them and as the two figures embrace at the opening to a cave.

At the top of the mountain sits a white palace and the sky is filled with 6 bird-shaped celestial chariots toward the it...

Antique Tibetan carved wooden ritual staff handle with three heads; the top head is a skull, the second head is presumably Padma Sambhava, the third is presumably Guru Rimposhe, on new metal stand. Size 5.5" 16th / 17th century.

According to many Indians, this old juicer would also doubled as a pasta maker. With the carved animal heads on each side, and great aged patina, it makes an interesting sculptural artifact of India's culture.

Measures 12 high, 10 inches wide and 6 inches deep.

Antique Indian small statue of Crowned Ganesh, the Hindu elephant headed deity is the remover of obsticals, seated on a lotus thrown, beautifully worn, 17th/18th century. Size: 12" high x 7 1/2" wide x 3" deep.

This Tibetan Priest's rattle is carved from horn and has a bone cap on the end. It was used by the Monk during ceremonial rituals and would have been shaken to ward off evil spirits. This horn was hand carved with many Tibetan Buddist symbols. All the edges are worn smooth with use and repeated handling.

Very interesting Indian Miniature Painting of a popular subject, Baz Bahadur and Rupmati, the last king of Malwa and his HIndu courtesan (r.1555-61) before its absorption into the Moghul empire,here the lovers are hunting at night, depicted as a green-gowned woman holding lantern spotlighting group of deer with the king as an archer having just used his bow standing behind her...

Leather Tibetan Trunk with Peach and Clouds, 18th/19th century 56"L 20.5D 29H, Colored with green, yellow, blue and reds, Central Lozenge with Peach and Scrolling Vine, Outside Clouds, borders by Scrolling Vines, Iron Strapping Bands, hand-sawn wood surfaces, pitted loss to front face by peach.

Pair of Indian Miniature Botanical Prints with Lily Bulbs on border margins, lily in central panel of one, tomato in other, gold leaf in background, newly painted images on manuscript paper 18th-19th century, waterstained and patched areas. Print Size: 6" Width 9.75" Height, framed.

Staff carved out of one piece of a hard species of wood. On the top crouches a female figure with long hair, the arms wrapped around her body. The tip is a lighter middle brown while the rest is patinated a dark brown. Probably used in Shamanistic rites in tribal regions. Himalayans.
Length 16.5 inches (42.5 cm).
Some cracks and chips, nice patina.

This face-sized antique mask of a shaman or Buddhist priest is from Tibet. The hand carving is both delicate and simple, with chisel marks showing on the back of the mask.

Both the wooden front and back covers of this Buddhist Sutra book are hand carved with different symbols. The numerous text pages are beautifully written with rich black ink with specific words written in red ink. The book still has its original leather binding strap.

This Tibetan sutra book approximately 12 inches wide, 4 inches tall, and 2 inches thick. Though the pages are in good condition, the covers show years of wear and use and is a wonderful artifact of an old culture.

This short sword and matching scabbard from Bhutan is elaborately decorated. The knife handle or sword hilt has a leather cover which is detail with silver reposse and a coral bead. The wooden scabbard is covered with leather and is decorated with an elaborate silver reposse dragon. The knife blade is has a series of added symbols. The belt loop is also decorated with a series of silver objects...

This antique document case would be used to house and transport important documents. The high quality silver decoration of vines and flowers uses both pierced and repousse techniques. The curious emblem displays a spade, heart, club and diamond. Originally owned by a wealthy family, it is from what was considered northern India, (possibly now Pakistan), during the Raj period, before partition...

From our Indian Subcontinent Collection, an exceptional Kashmiri kashkul or beggar's bowl, 19th century, modeled after the boat-shaped beggar's bowls used by Persian Sufi mystics. This fantastic vessel is composed of a metallic body, most likely copper alloy, that has been lacquered and then exquisitely painted with floral motifs in rich but subtle shades of blue, red, yellow, taupe, black, and with gilt highlights...

Ca. early 1800s

This pear-shaped vase, intended as a base for a hookah, is overlaid in an elaborate design of thin silver damascene work comprising four panels of stylized floral motifs encircling the main lower portion and continuing around the mouth...

Tibetan woman wore their hair in long braids which were slipped into elaborately embroidered textile sleeves for festivals.

Small architectural element, probably part of a tympanum ("torana") of a temple or palace door, of circular shape, carved in relief to represent the Hindu mythical bird Garuda head, flanked with wings, holding the Naga snake in its claws. Wood, with dark-brown encrusted patina. Remnants of red pigment (tika?) on various areas. Mortises at top and bottom sides. Nepal, 17th century, probably earlier. Length: 13 1/4" (34 cm). The piece is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Obvious signs of gre...

Nepalese Terai Region Maiden Mask, 10.25 inches, 26 cm. From the collection of Irwin Hersey, renowned author on Asian and primitive art, and publisher of the Primitive Art Newsletter in the 1970s. Irwin Hersey was an advisor to museums and prominent collectors, and vetted pieces for many of the international tribal art fairs and Asian art fairs.

Nepalese Magar Tribe Mask with a Vagina and an Inscription in the forehead, and a Penis Nose. 9.5 inches, 24 cm. From the collection of Irwin Hersey, renowned author on Asian and primitive art, and publisher of the Primitive Art Newsletter in the 1970s. Irwin Hersey was an advisor to museums and prominent collectors, and vetted pieces for many of the international tribal art fairs and Asian art fairs.

Nepalese Mask of a Humla Aesthete with a Thorja Topknot. 11 inches, 28 cm. From the collection of Irwin Hersey, renowned author on Asian and primitive art, and publisher of the Primitive Art Newsletter in the 1970s. Irwin Hersey was an advisor to museums and prominent collectors, and vetted pieces for many of the international tribal art fairs and Asian art fairs.

Originally part of a full sized Tibetan adult costume, this piece was cut down to complete a childs festival costume. Decorated with turquoise, coins, tassels and silver ornaments, this type of textile accessory would often be attached to the elaborate headdress or hat and drape down the back to complete the wearers costume. The Tibetan people are not wastefull and items of festival garments in any condition are hard to acquire. I have had it hanging on my wall for a number of years. Today, ...

The black stone tile has mosaic inlay of mother of pearl Taj Mahal detailed with black pen ink lines. This Anglo Indian Victorian piece from the Raj era would have come from the Visagapatam region of India, which was known for its finely detailed black pen ink designs.

Pristine condition and very beautiful. Measured top to bottom and side to side 6 inches each way...measured point to point 6.5 inches

A beautifully carved and polychromed alabaster figure of a standing female divinity, wearing a dark green sari scattered with a gilt floral pattern, both hands held out towards the front, youthful face with large eyes and simple gilt diadem encircling her black-painted hair, Indian, 19th century. Size: 31" high x 13 1/2" wide x 7 1/2" deep.

The Tibetan leather flint pouch (aka strike a light) is properly known as a "mechag" (me = fire , chag = iron) or fire iron. This Tibetan flint pouch is decorated with ornate silver and bronze ornamentation with an inset red bead which appears to be a replacement for the original bead. The pouch would have been secured to the wears belt with the attached leather strap.

This is large strike a light ...the strike plate spans 6.5 inches and the purse including handle is 5 inches high...an wide...

From our Indian Subcontinent Collection, a fine 19th century brass surahi (water flask) paired with a large Kashmiri flashed-silver over lacquered-brass undertray, also 19th century. These two pieces were not originally part of a formal set, but we find that they make for an attractive and logical pairing. The surahi is of traditional form with large bulbous body, splayed foot, and long tapering neck. There are six individual cartouches of animated people and animals crafted into the lower bod...

Northern Indian Mogul dynasty 1526–1858, established by Babur, Muslim descendant of Tamerlane, the 14th-century Mongol leader. The Mogul emperors ruled until the last one, Bahadur Shah II, was dethroned and exiled by the British; they included Akbar, Aurangzeb, and Shah Jahan. The Moguls established a more extensive and centralized empire than their Delhi sultanate forebears, and the Mogul era was one of great artistic achievement as well as urban and commercial development.When Akbar died ...

Introduction: Various types of Rajasthani Schools of painting flourished in Rajasthan from the 16th century onwards. Great names in these schools of paintings are- the Mewar School, Bundi School, Kota School, Bikaner School, Jaipur School, Marwar School and Kishangarh School. Each Rajasthani school of painting has its distinct and unique style whilst representing the hills, colours and palaces of Rajasthan. Description: This is a large Indian, Jaipur school, painting of Royal procession. Pa...

The charming old tribal womans purse is heavily embroidered on each side and is decorated with mirrors and cowrie shells. Condition is very good, no rips, no tears, just beautifully faded vegetable dyes.

This antique small iron mortar fits easily into the closed hand was used for grinding medicinal herbs. The pestle is attached with a hand made chain. Sourced from Maharasha, India...great aged patina.

This Indo-Persian antique silver repousse lidded container box was probably intended for cosmetics. The elaborate design work is flawless and the attention to detail were hallmarks of luxury items made during the late 19th century in both India and Persia. There are 2 makers marks and some scratches on the bottom of the box. See picture

The box is 3.5 inches in diameter and is 1.5 inches high

Small bronze Indian votive sculpture of the elephant headed Hindu god Ganesha, known as the Remover of Obstacles, beautifully intact with all four arms holding attributes including his goad or ax and sweets of which he is sampling with his trunk, wonderful detail and form with elongated head, covered with vermilion remnants, 19th century. Size: 3" high x 2 1/2" wide x 1 1/2" deep.

Unusual Indian small bronze Indian votive sculpture of the elephant headed Hindu god Ganesha, known as the Remover of Obstacles, seated on high rectangular base, the most striking feature is the upturned circular movement of his trunk, his hands are also unusual in that they are mitt shaped and bear no attributes, all over black patina, 18th century. Height 3.5" Size: 3" high x 3" wide x 2 5/8" deep.

This traditional small leather purse would have been used as an ornament and hung from a belt by a Tibetan woman during festival. It is heavily decorated with silver metal, turquoise and coral beads. This is an old one and is in excellent condition.

Beautiful 18th century black stone schist of vishnu with four arms. The arms hold a flower, a talisman with a 5 point star, a chile, and one hand is open palm outward with a dot in the middle. There are two attendants, one on either side. It measures 20" tall by 10" wide. Has metal base 4" deep.

Miniature Painting, India, 19th century, ink and colors on paper, scene of a woman in a window. Dimension: 7 x 5 1/2 inches, in great condition.

Antique figure of Buddha in sitting position with his palms out, copper bottom with impressed marking. Dimension: The figure has a height of 4 5/8 inches, in very good condition.

Antique figure of Buddha in sitting position playing a musical instrument, copper bottom with impressed marking. Dimension: The figure has a height of 4 5/8 inches, in very good condition.

Rectangular photo or picture frame decorated with Sadeli micro mosaic in bone, metal and different woods. Old glass. Condition: very few missing inlays, one clip lost. Dimension: 22.5 cm x 14.6 cm, image: 15.8 cm x 10.1 cm.

Small wool carpet with lotus design. Large central lotus is dark blue on pink hued ground. It is surrounded by blue and pink blooms. It measures 27" by 24". Made of wool. Overall good condition.

Beautifully embroidered "Goa" priest vestment from india. Goa was a Portuguese colony off the coast of India. It is embroidered with shades of blue, red, pink, yellow, orange, and green. There is a floral scrolling pattern on front and back with smaller flowers.

18th Century

Size: 48" long by 26" wide.

Northern Indian Mogul dynasty 1526–1858, established by Babur, Muslim descendant of Tamerlane, the 14th -century Mongol leader. The Mogul emperors ruled until the last one, Bahadur Shah II, was dethroned and exiled by the British; they included Akbar, Aurangzeb, and Shah Jahan. The Moguls established a more extensive and centralized empire than their Delhi sultanate forebears, and the Mogul era was one of great artistic achievement as well as urban and commercial development.When Akbar d...

Northern Indian Mogul dynasty 1526–1858, established by Babur, Muslim descendant of Tamerlane, the 14th -century Mongol leader. The Mogul emperors ruled until the last one, Bahadur Shah II, was dethroned and exiled by the British; they included Akbar, Aurangzeb, and Shah Jahan. The Moguls established a more extensive and centralized empire than their Delhi sultanate forebears, and the Mogul era was one of great artistic achievement as well as urban and commercial development.When Akbar died 16...

Northern Indian Mogul dynasty 1526–1858, established by Babur, Muslim descendant of Tamerlane, the 14th -century Mongol leader. The Mogul emperors ruled until the last one, Bahadur Shah II, was dethroned and exiled by the British; they included Akbar, Aurangzeb, and Shah Jahan. The Moguls established a more extensive and centralized empire than their Delhi sultanate forebears, and the Mogul era was one of great artistic achievement as well as urban and commercial development.When Akbar died 16...

This antique Dhokra depicts a large fish being ridden by 2 women and is probably representing some tribal legend or myth. Dhokras were made by the Kondh tribe of the state of Orissa India. The Dhokra, or small sculptures, were made as toys, ritual objects as well as gifts and talismans. They were much a part of tribal craftsmanship and culture during the 1700's and 1800's. Dhokras were made from a clay base with a net-like pattern and then cast in bronze using the lost wax technique. Be...

This antique Tibetan purse would have been used as a costume ornament during festival. It is decorated with silver and bronze fittings and coral and turquoise stones. Passed from generation to generation, and used extensively, this piece shows it age. Such purses would have held precious coins and the occasional flint but would not be considered as a Tibetan "strike a light" because of the lack of the striker plate.

From our Indian Subcontinent Collection, a stunningly beautiful 19th century Khavakend-influenced Kashmiri silver teapot of bulbous teardrop form, finely chased in the rosette pattern with paisley and chinar motifs. This extremely fine teapot sits atop a flat rounded base with an avian-form handle, beak-form spout, and a dome-shaped hinged lid. Though the workmanship of this piece is clearly Kashmiri, the overall aesthetic is heavily influenced by the architectural motifs and artistic iconograp...

Large handcoloured print on early 19th cent watermarked paper. Rasa Lila. 590 x 440 mm. Framed.

Indian drawing. 18th /19th cent. 195 x 90 mm. Pricked for transfer.