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.
Early 18th to early 19th century Tibetan thangka in original mounts depicting Green Tara with the image of Buddha Amitabha above her and her 21 forms around her. She is the miraculous savior rescuing all beings from suffering, particularly from the “eight calamities” of both mundane and spiritual nature: 1. lions and pride 2. wild elephants and delusion 3. forest fires and hatred 4. snakes and envy 5. robbers and fanatical views 6. prisons and avarice 7. floods and lust 8. demons and doubts...
Charming votive folk embroidery, from the Saurashtra area of Gujarat, made by the Kanbi farmers caste, circa 50/60 years old. The two ply field is woven from all hand spun rough cotton thread; hand dyed silk thread and small glass mirrors. Ganesh is flanked by two female consorts and his “vehicle” of mice beneath him. These are brought out during religious and auspicious festivals, he traditionally has been viewed as the remover obstacles. Excellent condition. W: 54cm/21.1in and H: 56cm/22in...
17th Century Tibetan Bhaisajyaguru Thangka, 27.75 x 20 inches, 70.5 x 51 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 Dzi bead, agate with 8 eyes. The mystical Dzi beads are implements of ancient Tibetan and other Asian cultures for several hundreds of thousands of years. Dzi beads are believed to hold magical properties bringing prosperity and protection to whomever wore these beads.
They are also thought to hold medicinal properties, and so can be characterized by the "dig marks" left over the surface of the bead, where a small portion has been scraped away to be ingested...
Authentic 1858 coloured antique steel engraving of Jawahar Singh and his entourage from the watercolour attributed to William Carpenter in the Kapany collection. Inscription on reverse dated circa 1845. Image size 32x22 cm. Laid down on card. Image in good condition, background card with creases and tears.
Examples of sales of this engraving can be found on abe books. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide with insurance.
Very rare antique, 18th – early 19th century, Indian Mughal period, a shield of a Christian Indian warrior, buckler. The shield is embellished in the center with a large Christian cross of St. Thomas (Mar Thoma Sleeva). This distinctive cross is the religious and cultural symbol of Saint Thomas Christians in India, also called Syrian Christians of India, Marthoma Suriyani Nasrani, Malankara Nasrani, or Nasrani Mappila.
The shield is made of hand-hammered solid brass...
Indian bronze sculpture of Shiva Nataraja (Lord of the Dance) in his destructive aspect, an attribute in each of his eight hands, he stands on a dwarf, early 20th century.
Size: 39" high x 22 1/2" wide
Early 19th century Indian bronze votive sculpture of Ganesha with the usual attributes in his hands, and a very worn rat - his vehicle - by his right knee, cast in the state of Karnataka. Ganesha is the remover of obstacles, and thus is invoked before any new undertaking. He bestows good luck on his worshippers, and is invoked in marriage ceremonies and in some forms of Tantric worship...
Statue of Buddha Amitabha (or "Amitayus"), wearing diadem and sitting cross-legged on a double lotus throne. Amitabha holds a vase containing the nectar of immortality on his lap. Gilt bronze, the face itself is cold-gilt. Tibet, 18th century. Height: 6 1/4" (16 cm). Gilding partly eroded, otherwise very good condition.
Antique 17th century Tibeto - Chinese extremely fine Tibetan Pen Case made of heavy low-grade silver alloy pen holder for writing instruments. Signed with 3 Chinese Characters.
Writing set holder form of two cylindrical fluted shaft finely engraved with continuous auspicious symbols, the ends in the form of bulbous lotus blossoms, surmounted by Tibetan Buddhist ritual ceremonial crown, Gyalwa Rig Nga (Wylie rgyal ba rigs lnga). Internal sleeve engraved with three Chinese characters...
Antique 19th century Tibetan Buddhist ceremonial solid silver cup stand with cover (Dhakya), fitted with 13th century Blue and White Yuan dynasty porcelain teacup, hand-painted in the center in cobalt blue with a Chinese character within a circle and four Chinese characters on the exterior wall...
Nepalese Yak Hair Mask from the Humla Region. 8 inches, 20.5 cm.
Rare 17th Century Tibetan Chakrasamvara Thangka with numerous inscriptions on the back. There is a tape repair on the center of the back. 26 x 19.5 inches, 66 x 50 cm.
Large 19th century hand painted picchavi cloth of the Rasa Lila. 200x200cm. Red cotton backing. Good condition for age and use, small holes at base.
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.
Superb "tsampa" bowl made of a wood core entirely covered with repoussé silver decorated in relief with the eight Buddhist symbols around its body surmounting a floral design. Beneath, a decoration representing a coiled dragon in relief framed by floral designs. Tibet, 19th century. Height: 2 3/16" (5,7 cm). Diameter: 4 1/2" (11,5 cm). A few dents, obvious signs of age, otherwise very good condition.
The reliquary monument, the drum finely carved with flower patterns. stylized lotus petals on the dome. The inserted finial consisting of a four-tiered umbrella superstructure.
This fine piece is 1 Ft (31 cms) tall.
Acquired by the gallery in late 2012 from an HK auction house.
Estimated value U$D 3000 / 3700