Strand of ancient Afghani glass beads, circa Roman era. These are original beads (not re-carved bangles or glass vessel fragments). Some are decorated with gold leaf, others exhibit dichroism. Traces of calcification. A total of 27 beads (note 3 are broken). Total length: 50cm/19.8cm- note last enlargement for scale- 17 grams. Free shipping.
Antique Indian bronze figure of Krishna. Standing in a relaxed pose with his flute in hand. He is bejeweled and wears a pleated dhoti. Long strands of hair fall to his shoulders. Behind his tall headdress is a sun disk. Krishna and his consort, Radha together represent the ideal relationship of love between god and soul. Beautiful original patina and hand rubbed finish.
Age: Early to mid 19th century
Dimensions: 11 7/8" high x 4" wide x 4" deep.
Large mask representing the face of Mahakala with its typical terrifying expression, the features being carved in relief and the mouth in openwork showing teeth . At the top of the back of the head a small cylinder has been carved on a small platform. This cylinder was meant to contain a horse hair (often of white coulour), to decorate the mask. Wood, with obvious signs of great age and remains of woodworm attack (no more danger). Old accidents and old and local restorations on top of mask...
Antique Nepalese Hindu priest's bronze bangle bracelet. Made with intricate and highly raised Shiva symbols and animals.
Age: 19th century
Dimensions: 4" wide diameter
Antique Himalayan mask of Bhairava carved of rock crystal with skulls and brows in gilt copper repousse. Bhairava, also known as "The Terrifying One" gained his reputation for having a wild and unpredictable nature when he cut off one of the five heads of the god, Brahma. Bhairava was generated out of the god Shiva when he became angry while listening to the vain boastings of Brahma. Bhairava, the furious aspect of Shiva is worshipped by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains...
Antique Himalayan lidded box for Buddhist ritual use. Cylindrical form with four feet. Decorated with mixed metal inlay of silver and copper. The sides with a central band of heads and skulls. The lid with double vajra motif and an outer band of intricately inlaid silver coils.
Age: 18th century
Dimensions: 4 1/2" high x 4" wide
Antique Himalayan ritual dagger, phurba, carved of bone with skulls, makara and nagas. Phurba usually have three sides while this one is unusual in that it has two. The purpose of the phurba is it's ritual use to subdue the powers of evil and transform them into positive forces. The various elements of the phurba are symbolic - the lower part (or blade) represents "Method" and the handle represents "Wisdom"...
An attractive copper and brass food container from Tibet. I am attracted by its simplicity and note that the copper part is brass brazed with a large dovetail seam around the middle.
Approximately 28.5cm high. One or two small dents from use...
A deeply carved wooden lintel, dating to circa the mid-19th century, possibly earlier. The carving is detailed and in excellent condition. Chief among the figures is "Kamadhenu," a winged female deity with the body of a cow and the head of a human. The piece measures 30" in length (80cm) and is 9" in height (22cm).
A nice pair of large antique wooden textile stamps, dating to 15th.-17th cent AD.
Hand carved wood stamps with geometrical and floral motifs for coloring textiles.
Size: 18,5 & 9 cm. - c. 7,5 & 3,5 inches.
Condition: Choice & intact comdition. Fine old patinas.
Ex. German Private collection.
Head of a deity, probably one of the Hindu deities. However, the shape of the top of the head and the presence of a usnisa above the forehead may suggest that this is an early representation of the head of Buddha. The head is made of wood, with a beautiful dark brown crusty patina. India, 15th/16th century. Height: 21 cm. Very good condition despite a few age cracks.
Shaman's bracelet used during rituals meant to favor crops. Tha bracelet is decorated with two stylised men, each standing behind a plough drawn by two oxen. The rest of the decor consists in stylised plants and a circle (the sun?). The bracelet is made of bronze, with a beautiful patina. Himalayan Region, early 19th century, probably earlier. Inside diameter: around 8 cm. Very good condition. A very rare piece.
Wood mask, with strong features, of a Mahakala. Dark brown glossy patina. Bhutan, 19th century. Height: 28.5 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition. NOTE: collected in Nepal in 1978.
An exceptionally large and heavy bronze figure of Radha, Wife of Krishna, VAishnava Devotional og Bhakti traditions of Hinduism, 16th.-17th. century AD.
Very attractive figure of solid bronze with no core, Radha is in a standing posture with her arms, protruding round breasts, semi-nude addorned with jevellery.
Height 27 cm. excl. the wooden base. The weight is more than 3 kilograms!
Ex. Danish Auction house, estimated at $1000-$1300.
An elegant double-bell shaped Indian spitoon made of zinc alloy, decorated with poppy motifs, inlaid in silver. Condition: few inlay losses (see first and photo No. 11 and 12). Dimension: c. 15.3 cm high, diameter: c. 12.1 cm, weight: 1020 g.
Child Jesus as a Good Shepherd ivory statuette on a pedestal. He is naked and his face is gently leaned. His hairs are sculpted in fine strand of hair shaping curls. His almond eyes and his fixed look suggest a mystic and pensive attitude. The Christ child is seated, he is in a deeply meditation...
A silver box with hinged lid, standing on four ball feet the base with Arabic inscription. An oblong silver tray on four feet and a fine small dish. Condition: some traces of usage, box not closing completely. Dimension: box: c. 12.6 x 6.9 x 4.4 cm, weight: 211 g, oblong tray: c. 16.5 x 11.5 x 1.2 cm, weight: 148 g, dish: 11 x 0.7 cm, weight: 44 g.
18th century Indian bronze votive sculpture of Radha beautifully flexing her body, her arms wide spread, a betel nut in her right hand, cast in the State of Orissa. Radha is a Hindu goddess and a chief consort of the god Krishna and is worshiped as the goddess of love, tenderness, compassion and devotion. She is the avatar of Lakshmi and is also described as the chief of gopis (milkmaids), who are entranced by Krishna playing flute...