Important mask of Mahakala, with a fierce expression, his forehead surmounted by a sort of diadem sustaining a range of tiny skulls . Finely embossed iron, with detailed features, and polychrome pigments to enhance some of the mask parts (eyes, teeth, skulls). A thin textile of red colour is affixed to the inside of the mask, probably to protect the dancer's face. Tibet, early 19th century.Height: 24 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition.
Rare and large bronze shrine. The central figure is a Jina or Tirthankara. He is surrounded by small Jina's on the back plate.
Each of the 24 Tirthankaras is represented by an animal or a symbol. There is an engraved animal on the foot of this shrine, but it is hard to distinguish which animal it is. The shrine is in an excellent condition, all three parts belong together, there are no repairs. It has a clean appearance due to the daily worshipping and washing tradition in Jainism...
Antique Nepali Sarangi Musical String Instrument with script and sublimely rendered human and animal figures and representations of modes of transportation, from the published and renowned collection of Sam Hilu, a prominent author and adviser on traditional Asian art, 27 x 8.75 inches, 68.5 x 22 cm.
Two(2) Tibetan Himalayan large Coral Beads, 24mm x 13mm(15/16" x 1/2"), purchased in Tibet prior to 1980.
Antique Tibetan Buddhist small reliquary in stupa form. Made of glass and covered with gold leaf, this votive offering would have once been housed in a larger container and placed at the foot of an architectural stupa acting as either a funeral mound or housing relics of an important person. The shape, with it's rounded body and terraced lid, imitate the larger stupa, a three dimensional mandala and symbol of Buddha.
Age:17th/18th century
Dimensions: 3 1/2" high
A very rare and early example with its original polychrome and clear traces of long time use. Note the glossy patina on the back of the mask. There is some minor old damage caused by insects on the eyebrows, but in general this mask is in a very good authentic condition. H. 29,5 cm, W. 23 cm. From a Dutch private collection.
Large Indian yantra. 48.5 x 48.5 cm. Red and black in on thick paper. Text on reverse. Undated, estimated to be 19th century or earlier. Reinforced tape on reverse. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.
Late 19th to early 20th century Indian bronze votive sculpture of Ganesha sitting on Mooshika - a bandicoot rat that serves as Ganesha’s vehicle - on rectangular base. Ganesha is the remover of obstacles, and thus is invoked before any new undertaking such as marriage or new business. He bestows good luck on his worshippers, and is prayed to in some forms of Tantric worship...
This well-painted 19th century thangka depicts a three-headed tantric "Heruka" in "yab-yum" with his shakti. The figure is probably Vajrakila heruka, although I leave it to the more knowledgeable ones among you to decide the identity. The painting measures 10" X 13" and is free of any restoration or re-painting. In need of a cleaning.
This is a well-painted Tibetan thanka depicting the Medicine Buddha. The painting is unframed and measures 10" X 12". Ample gold highlights, including the "aureole" surrounding the Buddha. Minor rubbing, as can be seen in the photos. In need of a good cleaning. Inscription on the reverse.
A superb tea kettle, its body made of copper, its handle and spout made of bronze and cast in the shape of dragons. On the lid , around the neck and at the base of the spout, a silver repoussé floral decoration. A chain links the lid to the body. Tibet, 19th century. Height:10 1/4" (26 cm). Obvious signs of use and age, otherwise very good condition...
18th century Indian bronze votive sculpture of Ganesha sitting on a rectangular throne with probhavali at his back, his vahana (vehicle) - a bandicoot rat - by his left foot, and holding his usual attributes in his 4 hands. This Ganesha has his trunk turned to the left, and it is strongly advisable for worshippers to keep left sided Ganesha statue at home. They are believed to be representing Ida Nadi (lunar energy) with its moonlike nature and feminine energy with a cooling effect...
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 is an antique Tibetan portable altar table used by a high lama to perform ritual ceremonies and prayers. It is decorated with curtain front cut-out panels that have a central snow lion carving and it is surrounded by beautiful articulated cloud formation. On the outer frame, it has a pho bamboo carving and beyond that is a scrolling lotus motif...
Interesting bronze relief figure female deity, probably Himalayan, and c. late 19th.- early 20th. century.
Size: 22-23 cm.
Ex. Danish Private Collection.
From our Indian Subcontinent Collection, a good Kashmiri silver surahi (water flask), 19th century, of compressed globular base with elongated neck and attached stopper secured by linked silver chain, well-decorated with chased vegetal and floral designs typical for Kashmiri silversmithing of this period. Overall a very attractive example with elegant proportions and good presence.
Size and Condition: 9 1/2 inches tall, 5 1/2 inches in diameter at its widest point on base...
An extraordinary photo frame made of steel and decorated with scrolling leaf in silver koftgari work, the surface covered with gilt lacquer. The back embellished with geometric pattern. Condition: decoration with little wear and partial loss of lacquer, two clamps missing. Dimension: 24.5 cm, 15.5 cm wide, weight: 466 g.
19th Century Nepalese Shaman Sculpture with traces of yellow and red pigment and an incredible, dense, dark patina. So thick and dark is the amazing patina that the necklace that covers the chest and back, and the carvings on the skirt, are barely visible. The hole on the bottom indicates that this was likely the handle of a dagger or staff. The old customs seal is also on the bottom. 8 inches, 20 cm. Very Good Condition.
This lovely antique bell is a traditional Ghanta, which is a Tibetan Buddhist ritual bell, sometimes called Dril, bu,and/or singing bell. Just over 6 inches tall, this Ghana is paired with the Dorje at the top of the handle, and the surface is decorated with an abundance of Tibetan symbols. This bell has the original clapper, has a lovely tone and beautiful patina. Bell is 6.5 inches (16.5 CM) tall
The Ghanta represents feminine power, wisdom, receptiveness, and the voice of the Buddha.
This woven Tibetan container would have been used to hold a pair of wooden tea bowls...there is an interior separator (removable) which allows for the separation of tea bowls.
Hand made using plant materials (hemp) and rattan with leather closures
Bowls would have been packed into container such as this when traveling... and from the condition of this one...it has traveled many times.
The container is 6 inches diameter at the top and 4 inches high...well aged fair condition...
Statue of a sitting protector, with squarish features, his hands in praying posture. Strongly eroded wood, with remnants of kaolin on some areas. Nepal, 19th C. Height: 39 cm. The statue is mounted on a custom stand. NOTE: collected in 1974 by its former owner.
An assemblage of a figural Baluchari silk sari end panel fragment, showing three European men riding on a railway coach, dating around 1800. Edged with a Kashmiri wool shawl fragment. Once framed and possibly sold as souvenir. Mounted on cardboard. Condition: faded and few tiny stains, border with few small losses. Dimension total: 30.6 x 25.3 cm.
Complete Nepalese manuscript. Estimated to be late 18th century or earlier. 78 sides. 10 full page illustrations, one double page illustration.
Text in red and black ink, charts and diagrams, traces of ritual use.
26.5 cm x 9.5 cm.
Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.
SEE PAGE 2/2 FOR REST OF IMAGES
Depicting one of the 24 Tirthankaras with his attendants. His eyes inlaid with silver or electron. Lots of wear due to extensive worshipping. Judging by the beautiful dark brown and green patina, this is an excavated piece. H. 13,5 cm (5,5 inches). Provenance: private collection The Netherlands.
Unusual mask with flat top, small forehead, relief pierced through eyes, protruding nose, open mouth showing pierced through teeth, short rounded chin. Wood, dark patina. Remnants of thin superimposed layers of polychrome pigments. Himalayan Region, early 19th century, probably earlier. Height: 10 1/4" (26 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand which enhances its strange beauty. Old accident at base of chin, some erosion and flaking, otherwise very good condition...
Antique Indo-Persian miniature painting depicting a hunting scene. A party of three men on horses gives chase to a herd of deer while two others stand by with spears. In the background a river wends it's way through hills covered in low trees and flowers. Painted in gauche colors. Framed.
Age: circa 1800-1850
Dimensions: Total size with frame 13 1/8" high x 10 3/8" wide. Art only 7 1/2" high x 4 1/2" wide
A beautiful bronze temple bell with twisted stem and with two Garudas seated under the protective roof of the Cobra as a finial, Nepalese, 18th.-19th. century AD.
With a stunning brown patina and inscribed with short inscription in Sanskrit on the side of the bell.
Size: 20,7 cm. tall and weighing c. 720 grams.
Ex...
Antique Tibetan wooden sutra cover, carved with 58 seated bodhisattvas on the front, gilded and painted with details. The interior side of the cover is lacquered red and painted with 64 seated bodhisattvas...
Nicely carved statue of Hindu god Vitthal, standing, wearing formal attire and jewelry, arms akimbo. Wood, with fine glossy dark brown patina. India, early 19th century. Height: 25.7 cm. the statue is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Left and front lower side partly missing, slight abrasion, otherwise good condition.
NOTE: Vithoba, also known as Vitthala, is a Hindu god predominantly worshipped in the Indian state of Maharashtra and Karnataka. He is a form of the god Vishnu. Vithoba is often...
A massive corner stone sculpture carved in greyish schist, Gandhara, c. 400-600 AD.
Interesting Pilaster from a corner with two reliefs, on it, candelabra with Buddha and bodhisattva and lying bulls on both sides at the top.
Size: c. 51 cm. tall and c. 22-23 cm. wide. Verry deep as well and almost triangular in shape.
Condition: F-VF, basically intact and almost fully covered with sandy encrustations - uncleaned. Chips and corrosion on exposed areas.
...
Three large old Indian reverse glass paintings in expensive silk mounts with carved gilded frames. Undated, estimated to be late 19th early 20 th century. Overall size of each is 66 x 52 cm.
Can be viewed in central London.
Statue of Krishna dancing on the head of the Kaliya Snake, on an elevated square base, holding a butter ball in his right hand. Bronze, with fine dark green patina. India, early 19th century. Height: 6,4 cm. Abrasion due to age, otherwise very good condition.
NOTE: this statue refers to Krishna's adolescence. The Kaliya snake had poisoned the pool in which cow herds were drinking. Krishna revived the cows and had a fight with Kaliya, kicked it almost to death, and then danced on him. Kaliya's ...
A beautiful antique Himalayan / Tibetan gilt and silver repousse box, the lid with a pair of fish flanking a conch shell amid a reticulated ground, the base further etched with a pair of fish. Detailed with key fret motif and floral designs. Age: Late 19th Century. 5.25" length x 3.25" width.
Intricately decorated snuff bottle of baluster shape, with a detailed decoration in relief representing, from top to bottom, a geometric design around the neck, a monster on both sides holding a lozenge frame containing a lapis lazuli on one side and a coral on the other side, the foot representing a stylised lotus. The stopper is also made of silver with a lapis lazuli on its top, and a silver spoon. A small silver chain links the stopper to the body of the bottle. The piece shows remnants of i...
Pair of antique Tibetan snow lions. Made of gilded bronze with polychrome details. Wild, open mouthed expressions and paws over heads. These lions were once part of a Buddhist display. Snow lions are thought to be the king of beasts to the Tibetan people. They personify joy and bliss and represent the hermits and yogis that live in the Himalayas. It is believed that the milk of the snow lioness is the essence of the Dharma.
Age: 18th century
Dimensions of each on a cust...
Statue of Hindu god Indra, wearing a diadem, large earrings and a loin cloth, sitting in a variation of the virasana posture. He has the typical third eye on his forehead. His face reflects a profound inner serenity. The statue is made of gilt bronze, with a nice age patina and remnants of ritual material on the face. Nepal, early 19th century. Height: 24.5 cm. Old encrustations, otherwise very good condition.
Ancient well-carved head of Lord Bhairava of wood on a custom stand. Bhairava (Sanskrit: frightful) is a Hindu Tantric deity worshiped by Hindus. Ritually given liquor spirits during ceremonies. In Shaivism, he is a fierce manifestation of Shiva associated with annihilation. Provenance: Spinks London, Handley Collection
Date: 15th C
Dimensions: 33" tall X 17.5" wide with stand, statue alone is 27" tall X 18.5" wide and 5" deep
From Maharashtra or Karnataka. H. 14 cm. The 23rd Tirthankara is symbolized by the cobra, which is modeled on the back of the figure.
Provenance: private collection Belgium.
Mirror finely cast in the shape of a flaming "triratna", its stand framed by two small "apsaras". Bronze, with nice green and red patina. Traces of "tika" on some areas. Nepal, 18th century. Height: 20 cm. Erosion due to age, otherwise very good condition.
Antique 19th century Indian Archer Thumb Ring Zihgir. The ring is carved of a veined green Nephrite Jade, inlaid with metal wire, and set with 8 cabochons and 3 small, oval, red and green jewels.
MEASUREMENTS: Overall length 4.5 cm (1.77 inches). The inner ring diameter is around 2.2 cm (0.87 inches).
18th Century Tibetan Rudra Chakrin, King of Shambhala Thangka, 43.5 x 25.5 inches, 91.5 x 66 cm. Most of these thangka were photographed through glass frames, so there may be a little blurriness. This thankga was in an exhibition at the University of Texas Art Museum.
Antique Tibetan tsakli card depicting a wrathful deity (Heruka) wielding a sword and banner. He wears a tiger skin around his middle and a human skin tied around his neck. Painted in mineral colors on paper with Sanskrit description on the back.
Tsakli cards are powerful miniature paintings of Buddhist deities and objects. They have many different ritual uses. They can be used for teaching when a lama holds the card out for a student to focus on, thus helping them with the visualiz...
Extraordinary Vajradhara Buddha Bronze Statue from Nepal. It was made in the late 19th cent. and decorated with the rare color mixture of gold and Jade green.
Great antique condition with no flaws.
Vajradhara is considered to be one of the original Buddhas, he is represented with a bell and vajra, his arms are crossed over his chest. The Asiatic symbolizes the union of opposites (Unio mystica = removes suffering for those who experience it). So the vajra (male) goes to th...
Large and important bust of Hindu goddess Parvati, wife of god Shiva. This beautiful lost wax chiseled and cast bust made of bronze underlines perfectly the harmony of the face and the beauty of the jewelry the goddess is wearing. India, 19th/20th century. Height: 30.2 cm. Very good condition.
NOTE 1: As the title implies, ("Parvati Mukhalinga"), this bust was associated with the Linga of Shiva. The Linga is a phallic symbol, symbolising the power of Shiva.
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.
Mask of a grotesque character with twisted nose ; accident on the left side, slit on the chin (see pix) ; 26 x 16 cms.
End of 19th - beginning of 20th C, West Nepal, Gurung.
Tibetan altar table made of heavy wood, painted with a three faced and six armed Boddhisattva, the sides decorated with skulls and vajras. Condition: some traces of usage, some losses to paint. Please look at pictures carefully, they make part of the condition report. Dimension: 27.8 cm x 28.5 cm x 6.3 cm, weight: 1005 g.
Finely cast gilt bronze statue of Hindu god Vishnu, wearing a diadem with a flaming aureola at the back, necklaces bracelets and a dhoti, holding his attributes with his four arms. The god is standing on and backed by the Naga. India, late 19th century. Height: 15 cm. Very good condition.
NOTE: Images of Vishnu typically depict him with four arms, holding his attributes: the club, wheel, conch and lotus flower. The club is a symbol of Vishnu's divine power, and the wheel, a symbol of the sun. ...
Depicting a Tirthankara surrounded by consorts, elephants and figures in seated posture. The shrine is inlaid with copper and silver. A very dine piece from Gujarat. H. 15 cm (6 inch). Provenance: private collection Belgium.
18th century Tibetan thangka in original mounts depicting Begtse standing on a lotus throne trampling on the corpses of horses and humans, brandishing a sword, supporting a lance and a bow and devouring a human heart. Rather rare icon, Beg-tse (also called Jamsaran) is a dharmapala (the Defender of the Buddhist Law) and the Lord of War, in origin a pre-Buddhist war god of the Mongols - his name means “hidden coat of mail”. He has red skin and orange-red hair, two arms (as opposed to other Ma...
Antique small bronze Puja Chowki Stand for Indian Hindu deity -gods figurine in home shrine in the form of Bajot table with octagonal top on eight, baluster form legs 17th-18th century India.
Most of Indian homes have a separate Puja room with home shrine and “Chowkis” are small low stands to use as a pedestal for placing idols of various gods and goddesses.
MEASUREMENTS:
Width of the base at the widest point: 6.5 cm (2.56 inches).
Width of the top: 5 cm (1.97 inches).
Hei...
Antique Indian Yantra. Double sided. Red and black ink on thin paper.
30x26.5 cm. Tape stains in corner, creases and tears. Undated, estimated to be 19th century or earlier. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.
Antique tribal necklace of the Naga people, native to north east India /north west Burma, composed of multicolored beads of coral, glass, quartz, and brass bells.
19th/20th century
Size: 13" length
Indian 19th century depiction of a wheel and Devanagari text blocks. Inks on paper. 50.8 x 49.5 cm
Provenance: Christie's New York 21 March 2007 lot 395 ( 2 in lot) sold $7,800.
Christie's London (SK) 11 April 2014 lot 83. Sold £2125
A pair of Tibetan finger cymbals made from cast bell metal. Decorated with incised dragons and double-vajras, interior with vajra, connected by an orange textile strap. With a long-enduring high and clear tone. Condition: traces of age, strap a bit worn. Dimension: diameter: c. 7.5 cm, weight: 356 g.
Altar dedicated to Hanuman, the Hindu semi-god, carved in openwork relief to represent Hanuman standing with a martial attitude, carrying a club in his left hand and an uprooted tree in his right hand, and trampling a supine figure, probably a demon. Marble, with traces of red pigments. India, 18th century. Height: 13.7 cm. Abrasion due to age, otherwise very good condition.
A large, genuinely old, silver mounted Prayer Wheel / Mill (‘Khor'), Tibet, 19th. century.
Finely patinated copper with large silver mounts and a lotus finial. Hardwood handle with finely decorated brass fittings. Guaranteed authentic old.
Lenght: 42 cm. and quite solidly built - heavy.
Ex. Private collection of Ulf Gudmundsen from the 1950s and onwards. An important collection of Tribal African and Asian antiques.
Indian miniature painting. Hyderabad 19th century. Gouache on card.
22x15cm. Text on reverse.
Old tribal necklace, made of old glass beads with a bronze ornament in the shape of a fish tail. North East India, Naga ethnic group. Length: around 37 cm. Very good condition. Provenance: 1) old European collection, 2) auction sale.
Ritual dagger ("phurpa") formerly used by a shaman during religious ceremonies. Wood, with nice dark patina. Textiles attached on top with a chain. Old restoration with a forged metal point on the lower part of the dagger. Nepal, early 19th century. Height: 13 1/4" (32,5 cm). The phurpa is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Good condition.