Embroidered in vivid pink on olive cotton, this purse from Swat valley is 50-60 years old and in excellent condition. Geometric patterns embroidered in straight stitching in pink floss silk are outlined in yellow and white double running stitch, with accents of purple and cream. The purse measures 18 x 19.5 cm.

This man's wedding shawl (known as "malir", or "doshalo") is from Tharparker district in Sindh province and would be a gift from a bride and her family to the groom for his wedding day attire. It is basically an embroidered "ajrak", meaning a red handspun, mordant-dyed, resist-printed cotton, embroidered in the four corners with stylized peacocks symbolizing fertility, and randomly placed mirrors ("shisha") as accents...

Measuring 15.5 x 16 inches (39.4 x 40.6 cm), this textile from Kandahar, Afghanistan is embroidered in silk thread embroidery on a fine silk ground which is stitched onto a fine cotton linen panel. Depicting eight pointed star and rosette motifs in exquisitely fine satin stitching in counted-thread technique, the sheen of the silk is worked so that the light catches it in different settings, a characteristic feature of the embroidery ("khamak") of Kandahar...

This embroidered shirt panel is typical of the traditional embroidery of Kandahar ("khamak") in its limited range of colors and its depiction of geometric motifs of traditional Islamic art. Silk thread in extremely delicate satin stitch in counted-thread technique on a fine silk background which has been stitched to a cotton linen. It measures 38 x 43.5 cm and is dated to the early 20th century. Condition excellent, only two inconspicuous stains on one side.

In Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon (Dzongkha), the time spent in embroidering textiles is considerable and can involve as much as a year for certain ceremonial textiles such as this one with a black background, called a "napsham". Surprisingly, the intricacy of the woven design elements that closely resemble embroidery is created on looms, mostly backstrap looms. This textile measures 97 x 243 cm including the fringes and is embroidered in cotton yarn on a raw silk ground...

An important long stock designed Ghurra with a hand carved on top, very fine condition , H 34 cm , more information on request

A long stick design ghurra, very fine condition , H 29 cm More information on request

Magnificent Serpentine hand carved GANESH and Singha Lion Figure. Very good condition, no damage or repair whatsoever. Size: H. 20 cm. x W. 12 cm. x D. 4 cm. Very fine workmanship indeed.

Incredible Indo/Persian watercolor and gouache painting depicting Mugal Princess, most likely Momtaz wife of Shah Jahan, in period custom dress. Size: the item is 12 x 7.5 inches with the sight itself has a dimension of 6 x 4 inches in very good condition.

Incredible Indo/Persian watercolor and gouache painting depicting Mugal Emperor in period custom dress. Size: the item is 11 x 7 inches with the sight itself has a dimension of 5 x 3 inches, in very good condition.

Incredible Indo/Persian watercolor and gouache painting depicting Mugal Emperor in period custom dress. Size: the item is 11 x 7 inches with the sight itself has a dimension of 5 x 3 inches, in very good condition.

Incredible Indo/Persian watercolor and gouache painting depicting Mugal Emperor in period custom dress. Size: the item is 11 x 7 inches with the sight itself has a dimension of 5 x 3 inches, in very good condition.

Incredible Indo/Persian watercolor and gouache painting depicting Mugal Emperor in period custom dress. Size: the item is 11 x 7 inches with the sight itself has a dimension of 5 x 3 inches, in very good condition.

A 1940s Kashmir wood turned box featuring a wonderful warm gold and green lacquered mottled design over black. It measures 5.75 inches across and 4.5 high including finial.

Abstract floral patterns combine with medallion motifs in shades of dark red and pink in this kameez from the Hazara district, North West Frontier Province (recently re-named Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). Silk floss on cotton (a handwoven coarse cloth called khaddar), the embroidery is in the characteristic phulkari stitch which resembles a satin stitch but only on the front side. Each cuff has an embroidered band in brick stitch...

Patchwork quilts ("rilhi") are among the finest folk art coverlets in Pakistan. Sindhis have traditionally used them as ground covers at outdoor Sufi religious festivals. This rilhi is from Thatta and measures 75 1/2 inches by 95 inches. It is dated to the mid 20th century. Condition is excellent (no holes, stains, nor repairs).

Very elegant and elaborate ceremonial Silk Chiffon, hand embroidered with brocade, sequins and pearls. Good condition. Size: L. 83" (212 cm.) x W. 35.5" (90 cm.)

The elaborate traditional costume of Kohistani women is comprised of a dress (jumlo) and shawl (chuprai) which are worn over trousers with finely embroidered cuffs. The shawl is constructed of two overlapping rectangular panels, hemmed with white beaded fringing. The two bottom corners are joined by turning up the lower edge, and the join is embellished with a triangular beaded motif which functions as an amulet, while adding weight to the bottom edge...

A tobacco pouch from Indus Kohistan, probably Palas or Kolai valley. Cotton embroidered with silk in satin stitch. The string on the side of the bag is used to hang the pouch from a huqqa (water pipe) while it is being smoked. Circa second half of 20th century. Condition of this textile is excellent.

Typical of the mountainous Swat valley in northern Pakistan, this cushion cover ("thakia" in Urdu) is distinguished by a purple cotton background embroidered in a bright pink, with yellow and sage highlights. This amazing piece measures 14 1/8 inches x 30 inches (36.1 cm x 76.2 cm). Swati embroidery patterns are traditionally handed down from mother to daughter and these are the typical color contrasts. In Swat, the embroidery is called bagh, meaning flower garden...

Dated to the mid 20th century, this cushion cover (thakia) measures 15¼ inches x 30 inches (38.7 cm x 76.2 cm). As the Hazara district is situated between Punjab and Swat, the embroidery of this area is stylistically very similar to that of the Swat Valley. However, these pieces are generally more complex in design and construction. This piece is embroidered on both sides with silk on a cotton background in a predominantly geometric pattern...

Typical of the mountainous Swat valley in northern Pakistan, this cushion cover is distinguished by the black cotton background embroidered in a zinging, shocking pink. This amazing piece measures 12¼ inches x 32 inches (31.1. cm x 81.3 cm). Swati embroidery patterns are traditionally handed down from mother to daughter and these are the typical color contrasts. In Swat, the embroidery is called bagh or flower garden...

a large traditional milk spoon, milky patina can be seen on the spoon, whereas the handle shows a shinny black patina as a witness of a long use.Note the anthropomorphic carving on the disk opposite to the spoon. It is carved in a single piece of wood. More information on request wide 45 cm

Wonderful Southeast Indian Wooden Bowl. Description: Nicely carved with woven decoration on the border, from a piece of a tree trunk. Size: 11.75"W x 8"D x 2.75"H, in great condition.

From our Indian Subcontinent Collection, a fine and large tempura on silk original painting depicting figures in what seems like a celestial dance, almost a magical procession...

A small terra cota figuring a very old elephant, from tharu people, south Nepal , border of India, More information on request Hight 11.5 cm , length 16 cm From early XXth

A ghurra showing a house on the top, very dark shinny patina, great signs of use and great age, Height 27 cm , thickness 5 cm very good condition

A long stick design Ghurra, obvious signs of use and good age, height 37 cm, Thick 5.5 cm Tamang people, Est central Nepal

Large Horse Head Festival Mask from Orissa, an area of India renowned for centuries for its fine sculpture. A beautiful, colorful and large example, 2 feet (61cm) in height. 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.

An unusual protector coated with reddish mineral pigment (rato mato). The wild design takes advantage of the natural shape of a piece of trees, two broken branches figure the arms, the face is very simple and minimal Very strong wood and good condition, fossilized aspect in some areas , obvious signs of age possibly from early 20Th Height 90 cm , face 27 cm , the figures is based on a metal stand (not shown on the pictures)

A nice and old Naga plate with handle made in a single piece of wood, very good condition Nagaland for Inf look " The Naga" Ed Olizane Height 32 cm, diameter 30 cm

A very original cubist 3-face himalayan figure covered with white mineral pigment, age is from early 20th more information on ethnic and local origins on request Height 100 cm wide 20 x 13 cm, more information on request

An impressive protector cut from a more longer pole, but note than part which has been cut was already sunken into the ground. White mineral color more information on ethnic and local origins on request. Obvious signs of very good age from early 20 Th. Height 90 cm wide 18 cm

Tibetan, colorful with peony and clouds design Saddle Blanket, wear consistent with age.

Circa 1930s

Dimensions: 45"L 24"H

A simple design ghurra showing a janus heart, very impressive symetrical style Height 37 cm, very good condition, good signs of use and age mid 20th

A impressive ghurra showing a big volume deeply carved with a very old encrusted patina Very good signs of age from early 20 th Very good condition Height 33 cm More information on ethnic and local origins on request

A simple designed Ghurra with a wonderful patina and elegant shape Very good signs of use and age, first mid of 20 th Large size height 40 cm More information of ethnic and local origins

This headdress would have been worn by a young Pashtun woman. It is heavily beaded and decorated with wonderful embroidery, and various buttons and coins. The Pashtun range across Afghanistan, Pakistan and Northern India. This hat was sourced in India but it may not have started there.

The head dress hat is 25 inches long and is in excellent condition.

This item is coming from people from Terai community, It represent a drum player which be activated through a complicated rope network, at least two or three explanation can be forwarded regarding the role of this piece. Height 23 cm wide 23 cm, the piece is based on a metal stand Two similar pieces are available More information on request

This is a beautiful and gorgeous book titled "Textiles: The Soul of India" by Hiroko Iwatate who is a prominent collector and researcher of antique and modern Indian textiles for about 40 years. There was a highly reputed exhibition of her Indian textiles collection at Japan folk Crafts Museum ( Nihon Mingei-kan ) in Tokyo in 2007 as well as in other museums in Japan. It has 207 pages with full color pictures and captions and descriptive texts in Japanese as well as in English...

A simple but very typical figure from the remote Karnali district for more complete information and to see similar quality of figures, one can consult the only catalog devoted to this field : La Statuaire Archaique de l'Ouest du Népal, R. Vanuxem Paris 2006 ( text in english). This kind of figures are associated with animist cult of protection of house or village. This figure is covered with a white mineral mixture (often called Kaolin) and obviously was kept inside...

A typical original Tamang thanka from Rameschap district with Lord Buddha in the sitting position on lotus flowers, in the central part surrounded by four other deities at the bottom, eight ordinary people wearing traditional nepali dresses can be seen with Yamatanka in the middle Mineral painting on cotton cloth Maximal size of the painting only are 56 X 48 cm, whereas total size including the local cloth frame 80 X 60 cm , with a cloth protector to cover the thanka when not honored No...

Old mask with a thick shiny black soot patina, the originality of the sculpture is based on an arrangement of rectangular shapes which fit into each other. We note 3 horizontal carved lines and a Shivaite trident crossing the forehead to represent the tika, Old traces of vermilion pigment on the forehead and old traces of glue which retain some hairs around the mouth, the ears are small and in relief on each sides of the mask. Probably gtom West Nepal. Hardwood, very good condition, H27 cm x 16...

Clearly this a very early ghurra showing greatly achieved carving art combined with thick crusted patina and significant signs of wear. The sculpture motifs represent on both side of the ghurra a scene of churning, supported by an interlacing which could represent snakes which it is however difficult to formally identify as the deposit is important and hides the details. The front and back sides of the ghurra are symmetrical H 31 cm, , width 9.5 cm , Thickness 3 cm

Important and rare mask carved in wood fungus, of the tinder fungus type (fomes fomentarius), of rounded triangular form, with perforated oval eyes, incised mouth and nose in relief, probably added. Length: 30 cm. Height: 18.7 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition. NOTE: the tinder fungus is a parasite which grows particularly on the birch tree. This tree is highly venerated by numerous cultures with a shamanic tradition, because it is supposed to harbor deities...

Mask used for household protection against evil spirits, with an unusual elongated form. Wood, age patina. Nepal, Gurung ethnic group, first half of 20th century. Height: 32.8 cm. Mounted on a custom stand. Some abrasion, otherwise very good condition.

Important mask from Himachal Praddesh area , mainly used during the Phagli festival in mid Fébruary. Strong and hard wood, reddish dominant color. perfect condition, presented on an iron custom stand . H 33 cm

Among the Naga, the libation is a religious ritual to offer a drink (milk, alcohol, ...) to a deity. The Naga tribes are located in East India, district of Aranuchal Praddesh, these areas have remained in a great isolation until at the end of the 20 th century These horns come from large wild bovids "Bos frontalis" locally called "gayal or even "mithan". Rhis Very old and large specimen dating from at least the beginning of the 20th century, the basketry that surrounds the horn is of course orig...

A fine tribal necklace made of conch shell, glass, bronze and bone parts. North East India, Naga ethnic group. Length: around 40 cm. Very good condition. Provenance: 1) old European collection, 2) auction sale.

This mask expresses the harshness of the uncomfortable life in isolated districts. Wood is extremely hard probably from teak tree showing an amber to reddish color. The eyes, however, have been the subject of special work, the toothless mouth is opened to show a the tip of the tongue. This mask comes of the district of Humla H24 cm x 17 cm

A simple design paired with a harmonious and powerful symmetry with the rectangular shapes of the eyes and mouth, this mask exemplifies the design of many Himalayan masks. Very hard wood blackened by smoke with irregular deposits of soot. This mask comes from Eastern Nepal. Obvious signs of good aging circa mid 20th H24.5 cm, 15 cm

Hand painted scene of a wedding procession crossing a river. Gouache on paper. 39x19cm. Signed bottom right. Undated, estimated to be mid 20th century or earlier.

Indian horoscope scroll. Hand painted on cotton. 183 x 24 cm. Numerous images followed by text on both sides. Undated, estimated to be early to mid 29th cent. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.

The top shows 3 ancestors flat faces who are protectors of the family, they are surmounted by a conical crown with carved geometrical lines. The middle part is a “Dorgi”, the symbol of cosmic power. The down part is triangular blade with an intelace of snakes, used as a knife to nail the bad spirits while the shaman is fighting with devils and demons. The white cloth strips wrapped around the middle part are to protect the shaman hands against the high energy during his fight. A coin is also...

Black soot patina, hard wood, H 23 cm A typical minimal design mask from East Nepal Please ask for more information and additional pictures

Garoda scroll painting (cut into 3 sections for easy display) illustrating regional stories for use as a visual prop in storytelling performances. Undated, estimated to be early 20th century. Inks, metallic paint on paper, backed onto new paper so it is stable. Largest section 120 x 36 cm. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide

Large Indian yantra , 89x85 cm. red ink on paper. Reinforced with gummed tape on reverse. Damaged corners as shown. Undated,estimated to be 19th/20th centuries. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.

Very old mask presumably from the district of Humla, the mouth The ears are barely evoked, there is a small crest possibly fractured, on the top of the mask. Traces of red and white pigments on the top and around the mouth.Black patina ofsoot with hairs fixed around the noos and the eyes/ Semi-hardwood with long fibers, in very good condition considering the age of the mask, at least early 20th. H 27 cm, W 17 cm

Rare statue of a sitting female protector, her hands in praying posture. Eroded wood, fine patina. Nepal, mid 20th C. Height: 34 cm. Very good condition. NOTE: collected in 1974 by its former owner.

Statue of a standing protector, his arms alongside his torso. Eroded wood, fine patina. Nepal, early 20th C. Height: 44 cm. The statue is mounted on a custom stand. Left leg partly missing, otherwise good condition. NOTE: collected in 1974 by its former owner.