A serene, genuine GANDHARA Stucco Head of Buddha of the Period, 3rd Cent. A.D. Modern mounting on Plexiglass and ready to hang. Good condition. Size: 23 cm x 16 cm (9" x 6.25")
Origin: Afghanistan 1950. Rare piece!
Antique Indian bronze figure of the Goddess Durga, wearing a tall crown, her face burnished from reverent touch over many years. She stands on the severed head and body of the slain buffalo demon Mahishasura. Durga is shown traditionally holding weapons of various male gods in Hindu mythology, such as a javelin, discus, and dagger. These weapons symbolize self-discipline, selfless service to others, self-examination, prayer, devotion, remembering her mantras, cheerfulness and meditation...
Antique Indian bronze figure of the Goddess Durga. The goddess represents the Self within and she is the divine mother of all creation.
She stands atop the body of the slain buffalo demon Mahishasura, pulling at his hair. Durga holds various weapons given to her by male Hindu deities such as a javelin, discus, and dagger. These weapons symbolize self-discipline, selfless service to others, self-examination, prayer, devotion, remembering her mantras, cheerfulness and meditation...
Ancient Indian Jain religious shrine, the central Jina surrounded by multiple celestial nymphs with two elephants at the top on either side of the canopy. This brass with inlaid silver sculpture has ancient Devanagari script over the entire back. The Jinas eyes and central chest are silver inlaid. Rubbed and some losses.
Dated 1661 (17th Century)
Dimensions: 5.5"X 3.75" X 2.25"
Tibetan Himalayan Hard Silver Seal or Chop with Yak leather rope with turquoise, coral and shell bead between, 19th Century, 3 5/8" high for silver Chop, 1 1/8" diameter on the bottom, with beautiful free flow of scrolling vines with Steel engraved with Buddhist motif bottom. This seal was found in Tibet during 1980's visit by collector, never been in commercial market before. The condition is good except small dent but not very much noticeable.
Nepalese stone carving of a four armed Lord Vishnu, standing atop a lotus pedestal, holding in his hands a conch shell, a discus, a lotus blossom, and a mace. From Newar, Kathmandu Valley.
Malla period 16th century
Dimensions: 3 1/4" w x 1 1/2" h x 5 1/4" h
Antique Tibetan Dzi bead, agate with single white band. 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...
Two very well-painted miniature Tibetan paintings on treated cloth (not paper). One wrathful, one tranquil. The larger of the two measures 3-1/4" X 4", while the smaller of the two, the wrathful one, measures 3-1/8" X 3-1/2". Minor rubbing, as seen in the photos. No retouching or repainting.
Antique Tibetan pair of low folding tables. Originally used by Buddhist priests for teaching and praying, these unusual tables fold down for travel. The front and sides of the table are hinged on wooden dowels and fold into the tray created by the table top when it is turned upside down. Painted with colorful scenes of birds and flowers. The table top surface is painted with red lacquer, decorated with gold dragons in the center and fruit branches in the corners...
Out of Mongolia, this old leather tobacco pouch was made with a large button for hanging, long leather tassels, home made interesting decorative leather ornamentation...and hanging hook for removing old tobacco from pipe...
Clearly old and well used: the leather is still playable.
Great example of ethnographic folk art
18th century Indian bronze votive sculpture of Ganesha sitting on a square throne, with his vahana (vehicle) - a bandicoot rat - in his lap, and holding his usual attributes in his 4 hands. There is a protective naga (cobra) wrapped around his waist. 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...
A Nepalese wood sculpture of Bhairava and his consort Bhairavi on a custom stand. Bhairava (Sanskrit: frightful) is a Hindu Tantric deity worshiped by Hindus. In Shaivism, he is a fierce manifestation of Shiva associated with annihilation.
Date: 15th / 16th century
Provenance: Spinks London 1985, thence Handley Collection
Dimensions:18" tall X 12" wide X 4" deep with stand, sculpture 17" tall X 12" wide X 3.25" deep
This Tibetan gau (aka prayer box) is actually a small shrine. When not being worn as an ornament during festivals, it would be kept in the prayer niche of the family home. The back of the box slides open. Frequently, a special prayer i.e. sutra pages would be placed inside. The small glass window at the front displays a Tsa tsa, which is a clay statue of a Buddhist Deity. These statues were made only by the monks and considered to be a holy relic...
Old wooden Phurba...nicely aged patina from handling and use...
Faces topped with diadems, 3 side "blade"section has carved scroll design
almost 11 inches long high.
Alternative spelling...phurpa,phurbha, Pronunciation: Fur-bah
The Phurba is a special triple sided Tibetan ritual dagger or stake, patterned after an ancient Vedic tool. Originated as a stake that tethered sacrificial animals...
Old Ayigalu of white metal in round pot form containing original cone shaped lingam with indentations indicating the correct direction, wrapped in old red cotton cloth. Strung on silver chain. Excellent tight fitting. Size of metal 6.5x5cm.
Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.
A rare Jain Indian sandstone Stele with carved image of the 11 Jain disciples from the Gujarat or Rajasthan regions. Seated figures of Jain teachers are always sculpted with hands folded in meditation. Thie central Mahavira Swami has an auspicious diamond-shaped mark on his chest. The Swami is seated on a lotus with a halo above his head. Underneath the Swami are two mythological lions...
Himalayan Metal Chop with Brass Conch Shell Buddhist symbol inlaid, early 1900's, 1 3/4" high, 1/2" diameter-bottom, steel inlaid star design on the bottom, two(2) holes on the side mid section for the rope carrying on their belt. Some rust remain on the metal area.
Early 19th century Tibetan thangka in original mounts depicting Buddha Amitabha seated on a lotus throne holding an alms bowl in his hands, sun and moon among clouds behind him and a pile of offerings in front of the throne. Amitabha is the Buddha of Infinite Light and presides over Sukhavati (the Western Paradise)...
18th to early 19th century Tibetan thangka in original mounts depicting six-armed Mahakala standing on a lotus base trampling on elephant headed Vigneshwara (Lord of Obstacles)...
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....
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...
Early 19th century Tibetan thangka in original mounts depicting Bodhisattva Manjushri seated on a lotus throne holding a flaming sword and a lotus flower with a book on it in his hands, sun and moon among clouds behind him and a pile of offerings in front of the throne. Manjushri’s name means “Gentle Glory”, a flaming sword represents the realization of transcendent wisdom which cuts down ignorance and duality. The scripture supported by the lotus is Prajnaparamita Sutra representing his a...
Early 19th century Tibetan / Mongolian thangka depicting Tserendug - the White Old Man - Lord of the earth and water, protector of all living things. Rare icon, Tserendug as the patron of the plant and animal world is one of the ancient chthonic deities incorporated into Buddhist iconography and is associated with Buddha Amitayus. He is shown seated on a lotus throne wearing a white robe and holding a staff with a dragon's head and a scroll, distant mountains, sun and moon among clouds behind hi...
Good size early 19th century Tibetan thangka in original mounts depicting 6-armed Bhuddist dharmapala Hayagriva easily recognizable by 3 horse heads in his crown. He is considered to be the terrific form of Avalokiteshvara and thus the archetype of fierce compassion. Hayagriva is shown wearing a tiger skin apron and a long necklace of human heads, holding various implements in his hands. Hayagriva’s special ability is to cure diseases, especially skin diseases even as serious as leprosy, which...
Good size late 18th to early 19th century Tibetan thangka depicting Buddha Amitabha presiding over Sukhavati, the Western paradise. Amitabha - the Buddha of Infinite Light - sits in his palace surrounded by pious men dwelling in the land of bliss. There are flying Buddhist angels above the palace, and before it there is a lake in which devotees are reborn on lotus flowers with two rowing boats carrying believers to the Amitabha’s paradise. Below is a procession of monks with banners and musica...
Very unusual small 1910s Tibetan thangka painted on a buffalo horn plaque with mineral pigments and depicting Bhavachakra - a symbolic representation of samsara - the cycle of repeated birth, mundane existence and dying again without the beginning or the end. The pig, rooster and snake in the hub of the wheel represent “the three poisons” - ignorance, attachment and anger. The layer around the hub represents the six realms of samsara: three good realms (gods, demi-gods and humans) and three ...
18th century Tibetan thangka depicting Ekadasamukha - Boddhisattva Avalokiteshvara manifesting its form with 11 faces. Boddhisattva is holding various implements in his 6 hands, there is Tsongkhapa surrounded by 2 lamas depicted above him and 3 deities (White Tara, Mahakala and Green Tara) below. Beautifully painted with natural mineral pigments on cotton, original mounts lost its silk front but retained cotton backing, the thangka can be displayed hanging. Excellent quality painting, wonderful ...
Tibetan Repousee raised Silver on Burlwood Tea Bowl, Tsampa Tea Bowl, Ca. early 1900, 4 3/8" diameter-top rim, 2 5/8" high, 2 1/2" diameter-bottom rim, smooth silver lining over the top of the Burlwood rim, raised intricate hand hammered design on the side, continue on with intricate silver work over the high raised foot, and cover the entire sunken bottom with large Silver Conch Shell. This is high quality Tea Bowl, the condition is good.
An antique bronze Yama Dharmaraja. Yama Dharmaraja is an emanation of Manjushri and is a Tantric Buddhist deity and a protector deity. The name means 'Lord of Death, King of the Law. Dharma is the law of cause and effect (karma).
Date: 18th Century (early to mid 1700's)
Dimensions: 6.5" tall X 5" wide X 2" deep
Very rare late 18th - early 19th century framed Tibetan thangka depicting arhat Kanaka Bharadvaja - one of the 16 original disciples of the historical Buddha - seated on a lotus dais with his hands in dhyanamudra - mudra of concentration. He is surrounded by 7 other original arhat with their characteristic hand gestures and attributes (anticlockwise from lower left): Anjita, Shribhadra, Pindola, Rahula, Kalika, Nagasena and Abheda. Lower register depicts two of the Four Heavenly Kings who also a...
Early 19th century Tibetan / Mongolian thangka in original mounts depicting Tserendug - the White Old Man - Lord of the earth and water, protector of all living things. Rare icon, Tserendug as the patron of the plant and animal world is one of the ancient chthonic deities incorporated into Buddhist iconography and is associated with Buddha Amitayus. He is shown seated on a throne wearing a white robe and holding a rosary and a scroll in his hands, his two attendants behind him hold a staff with ...
The expression of Sakyamuni is beautiful and serene. Clearly carved by a master artist.
The image is made of one single piece of precious, dark purplish zitan wood.
These type of wood images were made of different parts and assembled ( it can be seen by the holes where the various parts would have been stacked together ). Unfortunately the arms and lower part of the body has been lost but it is still a very charming piece! Fixed on a newer hardwood stand. Tibet, 16–17th cent. H 14,5 ...
18th century or earlier Indian bronze lamp stand from Western India in a form of Garuda standing on one knee, his hands in praying attitude, his wings spread, and with a naga (cobra) rising by his right leg. Garuda, being the mount of Vishnu, is regarded as representing essential qualities of the deity in animal form, and was worshipped as deity itself. Very nice casting, pleasant patina from the piece being handled, devotional wear on the front. Height 4 7/8 inches.
18th century or earlier Indian bronze votive sculpture of standingmale figure with a dagger and a a lingam in his hands. I believe the image to be a rare 2-armed form of Govinda Bhairava, who is a syncretic form of Vishnu and Shiva. Wonderful casting, great detailing of his clothes and jewelry, beautiful devotional wear, excellent patina. Height 4 3/4 inches.
An antique Tibetan painted wood image depicting the Female Bodhisattva Green Tara (Sanskrit: Syamatara; Tibetan: Dölma) seated on a lotus throne in the posture of 'royal ease' with the right leg extended; the left hand is held in the mudra of blessing; the right hand extended across the right knee in the gesture of giving protection. Both hands are holding the stem of an utpala flower.
H. 19 cm. Tibet, 19th cent.
Condition: generally good a part the hands that are partly broken off as the ...
Antique Himalayan tall yak butter lamp. Made of hand hammered copper with gilt bronze applied details depicting Buddhist auspicious symbols. The butter would have melted and burned for a measured amount of time depending on the size and the amount in the lamp. A small hole in the bottom of the cup would have held a sort of wick to provide a long lasting light. Overall repouse details are in great detail. Original patina.
Early 19th century (Circa 1810)
Dimensions: 8 5/8" ...
A North Indian steel Katar, known as a push or punch dagger. 19th century.This form of weapon is found only in India and was considered to be a high status weapon.
Constructed from steel in one piece it is a very strong weapon. The deeply fullered blade widens in depth towards the tip to strengthen it when used against chain mail or armour.
Just over 40cm length, the blade is 24cm (and sharp!) Good condition. It has an old armourer’s brazed repair to one arm. This might have be...
A North Indian steel Katar, known as a push or punch dagger. 19th century.This form of weapon is found only in India and was considered to be a high status weapon.
Constructed from steel it is a very strong weapon. The chiseled blade widens in thickness towards the tip to strengthen it when used against chain mail or armour.
This example has a chiseled decoration of fighting elephants on the blade and scrolling foliage on the arm protectors.
Just under 40cm length, the bl...
Tibetan painted Zitan wood figure of a standing Padmapani Bodhisattva one of the many forms of Avalokitheshvara. Tibet or Nepal, 18th cent.
His right hand lowered and extended in varadamudra while the left is raised in vitarkamudra. His face has a serene expression; he is wearing a dhoti, a scarf and jewels. The Bodhisattva only has been made of precious Zitan wood.
Standing on a separate carved lotus base, behind him a flaming halo, both base and halo made of a different type of wood. The bac...
18th century small Indian bronze votive sculpture of Ganesha seated on elaborate 8-pointed base with the usual attributes in his hands, his vehicle - a rat - crouching in front of him and a naga (cobra) with its body rising along the back of the piece and the hood protectively spread above his head. 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 worshi...
Architectural element with an unusual decoration representing a bird with a human head. Wood, fine age patina. India, early 19th century, maybe earlier. Height: 18.8 cm. Very good condition. A rare piece.
Large Indian Pataka. 65x60 cm. Multi coloured on paper with small areas of text.
Estimated to be 19th century. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.
Antique Gilt Bronze Himalayan Seated Diety of Kubera, lord of riches and wealth, holding mongoose spitting gold. Ornamented with crown headdress and jewelry with flowing robe on lotus throne. Pleasant face with well nourished pot belly. Base intact, sealed with cover with incised vajra design.
Size 5 1/4" High x 5 " Wide x 3 1/4" Depth
circa 1920s
Indian Himalayan Copper Yoni Lingam ceremonial vessel for Holy water, Dates from the 17th - 18th century. Forged from hand hammered copper, a tier-shaped vessel with a navel on the interior. Placed on stand, the vessel has a dramatic sculptural presence with a patina showing its use and age. The Yoni (vulva) is the symbol of the Hindu God Shakti.
Dates 17th-18th Century
Size H 16" x W 8" x D 2.5" without base
Indian stone bust of Brahma with three heads, Central India. Crowned headdress with raiment of a royal being. Light grey stone, benevolent countenance.
Brahma known as the creator god in Hinduism. He is also a consort of Saraswati and he is the father of Four Kumaras, Narada, Daksha, Marich, along with many more.
Several Puranas describe him as emerging from a lotus, connected to the navel of Lord Vishnu. Other Puranas suggest that he is born from Shiva or his aspects, or ...
Indian Wood Stele of Indra and Consort seated in 'royal ease' on lotus throne under the crest of the flaming Kirtimukha lion-torso figure with arms outstretched. Wondrously carved, standing attendants at each side. Worn with devotional usage. Traces of old pigment.
Pair of recumbent elephants and deity at base.
Handley Collection, purchased Sotheby's March 1988
circa 1700s
Size: 23"H x 13" W x 5" D
Statue of a Yakshi, or Yakshini, wearing a necklace and a dhoti, standing under a flowering ashoka tree and holding a branch with her left hand. Bronze, with dark green and red partly encrusted patina and with some soil encrustation. India, ca. 2nd-1st century BC. Height: 15.2 cm. The statue is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition.
Tibetan Himalaya region large Copper and Brass applied Ewer, Tea pot, 19th century, 12 1/2" high, 15" wide include handle, 9 1/2" deep, with chased Mythical Fish "Makala" spout and handle within Buddhist Symbols design, floral shape knob, large Buddhist Lotus Pedals on the lower section, used in the Monastery serving many Monks for years. This Ewer is one of the fine collection collected by serious collector during 1980's, he made many trips to Tibet and bought each antiques and artifact from T...
Miniature altar dedicated to Hindu Goddess Annapurna. The goddess is shown sitting cross-legged on a lotus throne, holding her ritual spoon on her lap, and backed by an aureola. Bronze, with traces of its original green patina. India, ca. 17th century. Height: 4.7 cm. Strong abrasion due great age, otherwise very good condition.
Old, Authentic Tibetan Pair of jha-phor, Butter Tea Bowl, Tsampa Bowl, made of Burlwood and finished with silver around the rim for the larger one and on the inside for the smaller, also at the raised foot of the cups.
Diameter: 11 cm and 9 cm. High 5 cm and 4,5 cm ca. Tibet, Late 19th cent.
The bowls are in very good condition and have a nice patina from use.
Tibetan/Bhutanese painting showing a dragon holding flaming jewels in four claws. Body colour on fine cotton. 43x34 cm. Undated, estimated to be early 20th century or earlier. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.
A round shaped silver lingam box (ayigalu or shivadhara) with its original chain. A neck amulet once worn by a wealthier lay member of the Lingayat sect in South India. Markings. Here without jangama lingam. Condition: traces of usage. Dimension: amulet: c. 6 cm wide x 4.1 cm high, chain: total length: 54 cm, weight total: 97 g.
A Tibetan Copper Tea Pot of plain form, the spout with a silver and turquoise mount. Tibet 18/19thC. Height: 3 1/4"
Map of British India c1867, labeled Johnson's Hindoostan & Father India, Published by A J Johnson, New York, hand colored, steel engraved.
Seattle Collection
Date 1867
Size H 18" x W 26 1/2"
This is a well-painted double-sided erotic miniature, 19th century or earlier. The painting has slight staining and is affixed to a paper frame (slightly torn, as shown in the photographs)by the edges of the manuscript, not impinging on the painting(s) themselves. Possibly from a Kama Sutra text, or the Gulistan. The leaf measures 4-1/4" X 7". Gold highlights.
A beautifully drawn Nepalese painting on thickened paper of Vajrapani, shown with a tranquil, otherworldly expression on his face. In excellent condition. Measures 8" X 10"
18th century votive Indian bronze sculpture depicting bare breasted goddess Durga sitting on a lotus base and holding various implements in her hands. Durga is the warrior goddess, whose mythology centers around combating evil and demonic forces that threaten peace, prosperity and dharma of the good. She is the fierce form of the protective mother goddess, willing to unleash her anger against wrong, violence for liberation and destruction to empower creation. Wonderful bronze with very good cast...
Antique Indian Grey Schist Stone Stele Carving of Lord Vishnu and Consort Laksmi. Beautifully rendered in bas relief. Dieties in various poses.
Hoffman estate
Size: 15.25"L x 13.25"H x 4"D
Stand overall 17"L x 4"H x 7"D
Date: 10-11th century
A seal made of bronze, decorated in relief with one of the eight Buddhist symbols -- the Two Fish --- on its top, and the Buddhist Banner around its body, and finally with one of the eight Buddhist symbols --- the Eternal Knot --- beneath. Leather cord. Fine reddish-green patina. Tibet, 18th century. Height: 51 mm. Very good condition.
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.