This antique copper gau would have been kept in a prayer niche in the home and would be worn as an ornament for festival. In place of the Tsatsa (clay figure), there is a Tsakli. It was common practice to use a tsakli (small picture card) to represent the religious item which would be placed in the gau, when time and money became available. The original written talisman remains inside the gau also...

A very rare small box, made of embossed brass, lavishly decorated with various designs on its lid and body. On the lower part of its body the design is a series of "niches" containing effigies of deities and also the portrait in profile of an important person, probably a king. Superb dark-green and reddish patina. Tibetan characters beneath. Tibet, 17th century. Height: 3 3/8" (8,7 cm). il. Superbe patine.

This antique type of metal work was common in Nepal during the 1800's and into the early 1900's. The birds beak is carved from bone which is dyed to color. The "jewels" are colored glass i.e. enamel drops of orange, turquoise and dark brown. Beak to tail tip the bird measures 3.5 inches and stands 2 inches high. Very good condition with one "jewel" missing on the side.

Fine Nepalese Mask of a Rare Type with Pigments. 10.5 inches, 26.75 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.

Highly unusual phurba lavishly decorated, from top to bottom, with stylized lotus, four deities heads separated by a pitcher and a trident, geometric design, a "makara" head with three Shiva tridents on top and snakes at the tip of the blade. Wood, with nice dark-brown semi-glossy and partly encrusted patina. An iron loop holds a piece of old textile. Nepal, early 19th century. Height: 10 3/4" (27 cm). The piece is nicely mounted o a custom metal stand...

Lozenge-shaped gilt bronze plate, embossed to represent a concentric decoration of stylized lotuses and geometric design with, at the center, a coral intaglio in relief representing the Hindu God Ganesha. Height: 2 3/8" (6,1 cm), length: 3 11/16" (9,3 cm). The plate is nicely mounted on a custom wood stand. Beautiful green and reddish partly encrusted patina. Very good condition. A rare piece.

Beautiful antique pair of gilt copper repouse snow lions, nice patina and traces of paint especially on the faces, each lion is standing on hind legs and holding conch shells in upraised paws, wonderful detail, Himalayan, 18th/19th century Size of each: 13" high x 14 1/2" wide

Mongolian or Tibetan illustrated manuscript. 13 double sided leaves, coloured inks on paper. Wooden boards with cloth lining. Probably 18th century or earlier. Leaves 365 x 70 mm.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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...

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.

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 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.

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...

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

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...

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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)...

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. Each section is 4 wide by 6.5 h...

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.

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.

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. Two small loops for attachm...

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.

An interesting small collection of 9 bone carvings in the form of skulls, carved in the openwork, with lids at top and bottom, Tibetan c. 19th. century.

The group finely patinated and intact but some with loose lids. A set for ritual purposes.

Size: up to c. 3,3 cm. tall or less, but more of less of the same sizes.

Provenance: Collection of Gunna Munkvad, Denmark, aquired from the 1950s-1980s.

An interesting and decorative Tibetan mixed metals dish, probably for a temple decoration, 19th/20th. cent.

The dish elaborately decorated with multible gemstones incl. corals, torquise, glass stones and filigree. Mounted with 4 small buddha figures. Hanger at the back and old note from the collector: ''This Plate En kript(?) was purchased by a Tibetan refugee in India in 1960.''

Diameter: 26 cm.

Condition: Choice Very fine. A couple of stones missing and /or n...

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.

A fine and genuinely old silver mounted Prayer Wheel / Mill (‘Khor'), Tibet, 19th. century.

With silver in the midsection, mounted with coral and torquise, large silver folliage mounts on the top and bottom, bone suspension and a finely polished hardwood handle. Note also the silver lotus buc at the top. Guaranteed authentic old.

Lenght: 23 cm. and quite solidly built.

Ex. Private collection of Ulf Gudmundsen from the 1950s and onwards. An important collection...

Finely crafted silver necklace with Gao box hanger in solid silver mounted with polished corals and toquise stones and centrally firegilt, Tibetan, 19th to early 20th. century.

Very pure silver and wearable today. Mounted in a long twisted silver necklace. Beautiful piece!

Size: 34-35 cm. in a double row, the Gao hanger is 6 x 5 cm. and rather thick. Weight: 48,5 grams, purity: sterling silver.

Ex. Private collection of Ulf Gudmundsen from the 1950s and onwards....

Large Tibetan/Mongolian antique Fire Lighter in Leather case mounted with silver and gilt silver, brass and iron, with red coral stones inserted, 19th. century.

Nice piece in excellent condition with lots of fine patina, intact.

Size: 14,8 x 8,2 cm.

Ex. Private collection of Ulf Gudmundsen from the 1950s to 2007. An important collection of Tribal African and Asian antiques.

Fine early Tibetan/Mongolian Steel Fire Lighter in Leather case mounted with brass and iron and still with a piece of flint in the pocket inside, 18th.-19th. century.

Fine early piece in excellent uncleaned condition with lots of fine patina, intact.

Size: 11,7 x 10,3 cm.

Ex. Private collection of Ulf Gudmundsen from the 1950s to 2007. An important collection of Tribal African and Asian antiques.

Fine Kartika ceremonial knife, Himalayan c. 19th. Century.

The knife with a vajra handle and skull below - in brass and an iron blade. Attractive with much wear from use, but probably not older than 19th. century.

Size: 14,5 cm. tall and 15 cm. wide.

Condition: Choice Very fine, nice warm patina.

Ex. Private collection of Ulf Gudmundsen from the 1950s and onwards. An important collection of Tribal African and Asian antiques.

Statue of a household protecting ancestor, sitting on a rounded base, his head with an unusual pointed top, his hands in "namaste" posture. Wood, with fine age patina. Nepal, 19th century. Height: 35 cm. Strong abrasion due to great age, otherwise good condition. Provenance: collected in Kathmandu in 1974.

Brush case, nicely embossed with an openwork decoration representing three stylised Buddhist vajras on either side, surrounded with a foliage and geometric design. Silver alloy, with a fine age patina. The center of each vajra must have contained a coral or turquoise to enhance the beauty of the case. The case was made in Tibet in the 19th century, maybe earlier. Length: 33.5 cm. Very good condition .

Beautifully decorated book cover, of very refined gilded hammered copper on wood, with, on one side, two dragons with the "Ratna", or "Mani" (the Jewel of the Buddhist doctrine) in the middle, surrounded by stylised cloud motifs and framed in lotus design. On the other side, three handpainted Buddhist figures representing Manjushri, Chenresig and the Mahakala. These paintings have withstood the test of time a little less well than the front side. Otherwise, the book cover is in very good condit...

Very rare heavy hardwood mask, with strong features in relief, an incised sacred trident on its forehead (the traditional weapon of Hindu god Shiva), round metal added eyes, large nose and mouth. Beautiful age patina, with traces of original pigments meant to enhance the mask features. Himalayan region, early 20th century. Height: 27 centimeters. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Old accidents which do not impair the mask beauty and unique quality, otherwise very good condition

eautiful Mughal style silver box with inlaid turquoise stones on top, all sides with floral designs in relief, scrolling and floral engraving over entire surface of box, India, 18th or 19th century, heavy and fine quality. Measures 5 3/8" wide, 4 1/4" deep and 1 3/4" high. Handmade of heavy silver, with tight fitting lid and substantial hinge. Silver tests .800 or above. Rectangular shape with cut corners, a rather classic form found in wares of Mughal and Rajastahn influence. The top is ...

Rare, unusual in this form, Himalayan shamanic mask, with eyes and mouth wide open, expressive features. This mask is strangely similar in aspect to antique Greek theater masks, though there is no known connection between both areas. The mask is made of wood, with a very fine dark brown glossy patina and obvious signs of great age, with traces of the oritginal colouring. Period: 19th century. Height: 29.5 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Good condition. Collected in situ in 1974...

Citipati mask made of gilt embossed copper. Tibet, early 19th century. Height: 18.7 cm. Width: 22.2 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Obvious signs of age, otherwise good condition.

Statue of Buddha Amithaba or Amitayus, wearing an unusual diadem, jewelry and dhoti, sitting cross-legged on an elevated throne backed by a flaming mandorla, holding the elixir of immortality in his hands. Bronze, with a fine reddish-green patina. This statue is a Sino-Tibetan work, dating late 18th century/early 19th century. Height: 18.5 cm. Very good condition. Provenance: acquired from a Hong Kong antique dealer in 1978.

A copper alloy standing figure Amoghapasha Lokeshvara, well cast, six of the eight arms holding attributes, on half lotus base. Nepal, 18th/19th century. 19 cms. Private UK residence.

A large powerful and deep repousse Tibetan piece with features raised almost 5/8", measuring 4-1/4" in height by X 3-3/4" in width. In excellent condition with complete original gilding intact. Minor loss to the flaming aureole. Excellent detail. A substantial early depiction of a great subject.

This is a very finely cast Tibetan bronze fragment dating to the 17th century or possibly earlier. It depicts a wrathful deity, possibly Vajrabhairava, complete with finely modeled skull crown/tiara to the wrathful head. Please have a look at the photos and feel free to ask any questions. the piece measures 2.5" in height (6.25cm), not including the custom base. Exceptionally well cast with very fine detail. Not easy to find these days

What an amazing statue: early 18th century four-armed Avalokiteshvara purple bronze Buddha, the Bodhisattva of infinite compassion.

The statue is made of high class purple bronze, with rests of gilt and color, very impressing with 51 cm (20'') height and a weight of approx. 10kg.

Spontaneous as a poet’s imagination, or the flow of the waters of a rivulet descending down a mountain peak, there seems to flow in the fluidity of the lines and contours of the statue the com...

This is a large, early and powerful Tibetan copper repousse head. The piece is adorned with a crown of five skulls surrounded by flames.There is some very minor damage to the figure's left ear, a split, visible in the photos. Two of the crowns have lost their finial, again visible in the photos. The piece is substantial, sitting a generous 5-3/4" in height. The piece was most probably surmounted by a flame(?), now also missing. Dating to no later than the early 18th century, and most probably ea...

Very rare and old mask, finely carved to represent Hanuman, half monkey half god, the deified hero of the famous Ramayana epic, with a vivid expression. Wood, with remnants of polychromy. Bhutan/Arunchal Pradesh, early 19th century. Height: 20.8 cm. Nicely mounted on a custom stand. Old insect infestation (no more danger), small crack at chin level, otherwise good condition.

Rare plate decorated with a relief design representing two intertwined Citipati dancing together on a lotus. Gilt copper, fine patina. Tibet, 19th century. Height: 39.4 cm. Very good condition.

This very well cast bronze dates most likely to the early to mid-18th century, although I have conservatively dated it slightly later for the listing. The piece depicts a seated lama and measures 4" (10cm) in height. The base is sealed with a double-dorje plate; there appears to be consecration inside. In excellent condition free of any repair. Pieces such as this have fairly well vanished from the market, as those of you who collect in this area are undoubtedly aware. Here is a chance to acquir...

A Miniature Tsakli of Vajrabhairava. Painted on cotton. Buriatia 19thC. Size; 12.5 x 9.5 cm. Condition; very light wear. Tsakli are miniature paintings which are used in various Buddhist rituals. Provenance; this Tsakli was included in the exhibition 'Art of Buriatia, Buddhist Icons from Southern Siberia' held at Spink in December 1996, No 32. Buriatia lies predominately to the east of Lake Baikal in Southern Siberia and above Mongolia. The traditional religion was Shaman...

Tibetan antique set of 3 heads from a khatvanga ritual staff. The Tantric (esoteric) Buddhist ceremonial staff would have been held by an advanced practitioner during ceremonies and was a sacred object assisting in the rule over subtle bodies of energy. The three human heads (fresh, dried and bare skull), which once adorned the top of the staff in a stacked position, represent the 3 poisons of lust, hate and delusion. These skulls are made of gilt copper repoussé and strung with cotton clot...