A finely painted Nepalese Thangka, early 20th. cent.

The circle of life and Buddhist realms are depicted in this beautiful thangka painting. Hand painted using traditional technique with different colors, decorations and motif. On cotton canvas.

Size: 57×40 cm. (for the picture itself)

Ex. Danish Estate collection

Quirky jack wood kitchen vegetable cutting board. I acquired this in Sri Lanka but it could also be Tamil. Beautiful patina naturally smooth surface. . L: 46.5cm/17.9in and W: 29.5cm/11.6in, and H: 4.5cm/1.8in.

A Nepalese dagger used in Shamanic and Buddhist rituals, carved from wood with a glossy patina. The handle section in the shape of a vajra with endless knots and three faces, the blade trigonal. Condition: traces of usage. Dimension: 21.1 cm long.

Chinese/Tibetan antique rectangular pillar rug with blue five-clawed dragon. The elongated middle section of the dragon exits the plane of the rug on either side. The dragon has five claws and is woven in shade of blue on a yellow ground with wisps of clouds and auspicious symbols. Details like it's teeth are woven in white and it's nose, tongue and flames are a coral color...

A finely painted Nepalese Thangka, early 20th. cent.

The circle of life and Buddhist realms are depicted in this beautiful thangka painting. Hand painted using traditional technique with different colors, decorations and motif. On cotton canvas.

Size: 70x50 cm. (for the picture itself)

Ex. Danish Estate collection

Early 20th Century Tibetan Thangka of Yellow Tara from a renowned and published collection. Very Good Condition. 30 x 22 inches, 76 x 56 cm.

Antique Indian Kangra School miniature painting of Annapoorani Amman. A scene where Annapurna (the goddess of Nourishment and a manifestation of Parvati) seated on a throne, gives food to her consort, Shiva. The story goes that Shiva challenged the need for all materialistic things including food. Parvati, in order to prove to Shiva that food was essential (especially to his followers) disappeared, creating a state of famine. Humans and gods suffered...

A pair of Tibetan finger cymbals made from cast bell metal. Decorated with incised dragons and double-vajras, interior with vajra, connected by an orange textile strap. With a long-enduring high and clear tone. Condition: traces of age, strap a bit worn. Dimension: diameter: c. 7.5 cm, weight: 356 g.

Unusual Jackwood paan (betel) tray with well carved Kandy style floral medallion in the center, this motif also emulates carvings on pillars in some ancient temple. The WHO advised the Sri Lankan government against the chewing of betel and it is now illegal- that is not to say that this really stops people from still doing it though. This an antique piece with one crack. W: 29.5cm/11.5in x W: 29.5cm/11.5in x H: 6cm/2.2in

Rare mask of Mahakala, cast in great detail, with a fierce expression, the head surmounted by a crown of skulls, the open mouth showing fangs. Iron with polychrome paint. Tibet, early 20th century. Height: 17 cm. Width: 17 cm. Painting partly flaked, some oxidation, oitherwise very good condition.

Rare Zo/Tedem "tawnok"- reference "The Art of the Zo: Philadelphia Museum of Art". The Tedum aka Tiddim are a subgroup of the Chin, who live mostly in Northern Burma, Chin State, as well India, and Bangladesh. This piece is circa 1950-1960, spun from commercial, hand dyed cotton thread with some single faced supplementary and diamond twill patterns. Please see enlargements to appreciate the complexity of this weave...

Antique Indian miniature painting of Shrinathji, the 7-year-old manifestation of Krishna. He stands on a small platform with an umbrella over his head. A married couple offers food and drink. The architecture of the house is wealthy with intricately painted details. In the distance, clouds form. Undoubtedly this is a scene from one of Krishna's many stories...

Ensemble of vintage and antique temple and animal bells, 19 pieces altogether 2.6kg. These were purchased in Kathmandu in the late 1980s. Please view enlargements for comments, condition and scale.

Fine lime box, made of silver with embossed decoration of floral and geometric design, its lid being adorned at its top with an embossed brass decor representing a stylised Buddhist Wheel of the Law. Beneath, an embossed design representing a stylised Buddhist Wheel of the Law surrounded by a floral decor. The box still contains remnants of lime, which is used for the betel. Tibet, early 20th century, maybe earlier. Dimensions: height: 4.8 cm, diameter: 6.3 cm. Very good condition.

Finely cast, with fine details, miniature statue of Bodhisattva Tara, the Buddhist Goddess of Compassion, wearing a diadem, a dhoti and jewelry, sitting on a lotus throne in "lila asana" posture with her right foot resting on a lotus flower. A lotus in full blossom is resting on each arm. Bronze, with nice age patina. Tibet, early 20th century. Height: 5.4 cm. Very good condition.

Quirky image of Ganesh accompanied by four rats as devotees and musicians. This is from the last half of the 20th century- possibly a tribal image. For the most part most of the iconography and i.e., accoutrements, mudras and association of rats accompanying him are correct. I acquired this from an estate of long term Hong Kong resident, other than that I don’t have any other information other than this a very cool...

A very good Tibetan Meditation Mat / Rug made of hand woven wool of different colours; the centre medallion is decorated with a stylised Dragon while the large outer border has Buddhist symbols and flowers. Measurements: L 65 cm x W 57 cm. Condition: very good considering the age and use; only a very small area (1/5 cm) of repair at the border see picture no 4.

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.

Antique Tibetan bone carving, originally from a Shaman's robe worn during religious ceremonies. All hand-carved with a deity figure surrounded by highly intricate decorative motifs. Includes custom made iron display stand.Dates from the 18th century.

Size: 4.5" H x 1.5" L x .5" W (carving only) 6.5" H x 2" L x 2" W (on stand)

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"...

A Sino-Tibetan Amitabha/Shakyamuni 2-Tone Bronze (fire-gilt) Buddha seated on a Lotus Throne with a Pagoda in his hand. Good condition. Late 19th Century. Size: H. 23 cm. x W. 14 cm. x D. 11 cm.

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). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand which enhances its strange beauty...

Two(2) Tibetan Himalayan large Coral Beads, 24mm x 13mm(15/16" x 1/2"), purchased in Tibet prior to 1980.

Red copper and silver bowl, Tibetan and probably used for buttered tea. Silver lining and foot rim, the latter with a border of stylized leaves, embossed and chased, probably early 20th century. Tibetan silver normally lacks hallmarks and this bowl tested for a silver content of 500/1000. Diameter "3 3/4 / 9.7 cm, height "2/ 5 cm. Condition: fine.

A good 19th century Ningxia Region pillar rug with a dragon motif. The woollen rug has a design of a blue winding dragon with open mouth; all around are Buddhist auspicous symbols like the flaming Pearl and clouds. Measurements: L 168 x 62 cm; L 66 x W 24,5 inches. Good condition.

Antique Nepali Sarangi Musical String Instrument with sublimely rendered animal and human figures, from the published and renowned collection of Sam Hilu, a prominent author and adviser on traditional Asian art, 29.75 x 7.75 inches, 75.5 x 20 cm.

Indian Ramayana mask of Hanuman, General of King Sugriva's army of monkeys in the great Ramayana epic, wearing his headdress with 3 tips.
Old and heavy hard wood mask, beautiful patina, remnants of blue pigments.
Very good condition. 27x17 cms. More than 100 years old, most likely 19th C . India, Himachal Pradesh

Antique hand-made solid silver Tibetan Buddhist Ritual Anointing Medicine Silver” Tsog “spoon adorned with repousse and engraved designs, the handle, jeweled with natural turquoise stone.

Not hallmarked but has been tested and it is at least 900 silver .

CONDITION: in very good condition with no distracting dings, dents, or repairs.

MEASUREMENTS: Overall length: 11.5 cm (6.14 inches).

WEIGHT: 17 grams...

The bone of this hair pin has carved series of circles and a very delicate cross hatch pattern. The top is decorated with strands animal hair. The hair pin is 7.5 inches long. This hair ornament is Naga, which is an indigenous tribal culture in the hills of the north east region of India.

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.

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

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.

Tibetan altar table made of heavy wood, painted with a three faced and six armed Boddhisattva, the sides decorated with skulls and vajras. Condition: some traces of usage, some losses to paint. Please look at pictures carefully, they make part of the condition report. Dimension: 27.8 cm x 28.5 cm x 6.3 cm, weight: 1005 g.

Antique Nepalese lacquer garuda, the mount of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology. He bites the head of a snake or naga, his sworn enemy. He is colored with deep green and red pigment lacquer. Size: 5" height, 4.25" width

Fine and rare old rattan “tali” basket with a contracted mouth from the Idu Mishmi ethnic group of Arunachal Pradesh, India. In India they are primarily animist but in China where they are known as the Lhoba they have a strong spiritual affiliations with Tibetan Buddhism. Google “Bamboo and Cane Culture of Arunchal Pradesh” and you will get a good description of this regional craft. As Sino/Arunachal Pradesh border is disputed with China (it should be noted this where the Dal...

Antique Nepalese clay sculpture of a four-armed deity, most likely Vishnu. He is seated upon a lotus throne, with an arch of transcript around his head denoting a religious mantra. Size: 4.75" height, 3.5" width, 1.5" thickness

Burl wood and silver bowl, used for Tsampa, the traditional Tibetan porridge, and for buttered tea. The silver lining plain, the exterior with chased and delicately engraved decoration of flowers. Tibetan silver normally lacks hallmarks and this bowl tested for a silver content of 925 /1000. Probably antique, late 19th or early 20th century. Diameter "4 ½ / 11 cm, height "2 ¼ / 5.7 cm. Condition: fine.

Nice small size late 19th / early 20th century Sino-Tibetan bronze vajra - the primary symbol and ritual implement in Tantric Buddhism. It symbolizes the essence of esoteric practices and the perfected state of reality. This vajra has 5 prongs on each end - one at the center, and four at the cardinal directions - symbolizing five cosmic Buddhas. The globe in the middle is considered to be the power center of the implement, on either side of the globe there are stylized lotus petals. The four pro...

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.

This Bhutanese knife is unusually large, measuring 18 inches from the top of the handle to t...

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.

Gaus like this were commonly used by the Tibetans living inside China and those livi...

Antique tribal necklace of the Naga people, native to north east India /north west Burma, composed of multicolored beads of coral, glass, quartz, and brass bells.

19th/20th century

Size: 13" length

This antique sutra book is from Tibet... more pages than I want to count, original paper, writings and covers... size 6 inches x 2 x 1.5

Antique Nepalese clay sculpture of a robed monk, seated on a lotus throne in meditation. He wears a crown and holds a staff of some kind. Solid and heavy. Size: 5.5" height, 3.5" width, 1.75" thickness

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

Lovely old pair of matching Tibetan tea bowls. Carved from burl wood with silver/metal decoration around the foot and silver liner inside the bowls. bowls are roughly 2 inches high and 3.75 inches diameter across the rimmed bowl

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.

This is large strike a light ...the strike plate spans 6.5 inches and the purse including handle is 5 inches high...an wide...

Antique Indian « ayigalu », lingam casket, “chauka” style (Nandi’s horns shape), used by the Lingayat in Karnatakka, India. 9 x 6,5 cms. CE 236 (see Bibliography)

A fine lot of 5 metal items from the same collection:

a) Leather, silver, gilded brass, copper, corals. Wallet in form of vajra, 12 x 7,5cm. b) Silver, copper, with turquoise and corals. Gunpowder container in form of a horn, L ca 20cm. c) Silver gau container with a coral and four glass stones, H 11,5cm.. d) Bronze alloy, silvered tingsha cymballs with dragons, ca. 7,5 cm. in diameter. e) Brass vajra. 19th - early 20th century, L 12,8cm.

Traces of usage.

Attra...

A massive/heavy SILVERED OPIUM SPOON WITH INTRICATE DETAIL WORK. ORIGIN: INDIA, 19th Century. Good Condition. Size: 14.5 cm. Weight: 79 gr. !

Antique intricately carved sandalwood card case. Condition: fine, only few tiny rim chips - please look at pictures carefully, they make part of the condition report. Dimension: 10.2 cm x 6.8 cm x 11.3 cm.

A Remarkable Indian or East Asian offering Bowl on Stand, late 19th or early 20th century.

The bowl is cast and then finished by fine chisel work and engraving, all against an intricate punched ground. It features a myriad of hunters and animals, the trees seem full of game. On the hilly horizon can be seen various dwellings and pavilions, tiny birds in the sky. The base is an arrangement of three elephant heads supporting an acanthus cup on which sits the offering bowl.

I have ...

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.

Two antique Indian charms from Tamil Nadu. The larger one is an Araimudi, in the shape of fig leaf and was by worn by young village girls to protect their “modesty”, the smaller one was probably worn as an amulet with a granulated image of a feminine deity. Free shipping via Hong Registered Airmail. Large is H: 6.3cm/ 2.4in x W: 5.3 cm/2in, the smaller one is H: 4.4cm/ 1.7in x W: 3.2 cm/1.2in. Big one is 31 grams and small one 15 grams

A nice hand made octagon silver box with hinge depicting a raised running Lion. Good condition. Size: 7.5 cm. x 5 cm. Weight: 82 gr. silver

Tibetan Himalayan Match Striker, Coral and Turquoise natural stones set in the embossed and high relief decorated hard Silver and Brass borders on Yak Skin Leather, 3 5/8" high without ring, 6" wide steel striker. The heavy hard Silver top is also decorated with fine designs which shows the wear. Six metal buttons are studded on the back, surrounded with decorated Hard Silver borders. The leather inside is dyed light red color. The condition is good.

Small statue of a protector, with a high coiffe, sitting on a rounded base, his hands in praying posture. Strongly eroded wood. Nepal, early 20th century or earlier. Height: 32 cm. The statue is nicely mounted on a custom stand.

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.

Antique Nepali Sarangi Musical String Instrument with script and sublimely rendered human and animal figures and representations of modes of transportation, from the published and renowned collection of Sam Hilu, a prominent author and adviser on traditional Asian art, 27 x 8.75 inches, 68.5 x 22 cm.

Small cast bronze oil lamp in the form of an elephant drinking water from a trough. Measuring 3.5" high x 4" long, the lamp will fit in the palm of your hand and is attached to a heavy hand wrought chain that ends with a hook in the shape of a cobra. Chain and hook measures 9.5 inches long. There is a reservoir for oil inside the elephant. To use they would turn the elephant upside down to pour in the oil and then latch it shut with the sturdy removable pin. The pin is attached to the elephant...

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.