A stunning Miniature Polychrome Oval Painting of SHAH JAHAN (1592-1666), 5th MUGHAL EMPEROR Mirza Shahabuddin BAIG MUHAMMAD KHAN SHAH JAHAN, framed, 19th Century. Very good condition. Size: 11 x 8 cm.

Double sided manuscript leaf. Rajasthan, 1776 From a dispersed copy of the Shalibhadra Caupi. The story of Sangam. Composed by Dharma Kumar. Gujarati version. Sirohi manuscript: Sangama herds cattle and the four neighbours bring the ingredients for khir and 3v: Dhanna cooks khir, Sangama gives his food to the monk breaking his fast and Dhanna gives the boy the rest of the food.See p.104 'Steps to Liberation', Jan van Alphen, Antwerp, 2000 11cm high x 26.7 cm wide. Good condition

Antique Indian necklace of 19 large silver beads. Strung on twine with a large amber bead for closure. Each bead is subtly fluted, collared and has rich patination.

Age: circa 1900

Dimensions: 17" long (each bead is 1 3/8" long)

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...

Statue of Bodhisattva Manjusri, the Budhist deity who fights ignorance, in formal attire, wearing diadem, sitting on a double lotus throne, his hands in teaching posture ("dharmachakra mudra"). Bronze, with remnants of the original lacquering and gilding. Tibet, 19th century. Height: 17.5 cm. Very good condition. IMPORTANT: owing to the heavy weight of the statue, please consult us on the shipping cost.

Hand painted picchavi cloth showing Krishna as Shrinathji being worshipped in his shrine at Nathdawara during annakuta the mountain of food ceremony. 150x100cm. Backed onto red cotton with hanging loops. Reasonable condition for age and use, small splits at base.

Indian Sri Cakra Yantra. Red and black ink on old cotton. 66 cm.sq. Undated. 2 areas of losses as shown in photos. Black ink inscription on right side. Currently framed, can be removed and sent folded 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...

Snuff bottle of flat circular form, the body itself made of ivory. The bottle has a silver neck with an intricate decoration affixing it to the body. It also has an opening at its center with round silver relief decor mount, the lid ending in a coral top. On one side, another relief decoration representing a four sided dorje with a loop for attachment to a belt. Tibet, 19th century. Diameter: 5 cm. Stopper and spoon missing, otherwise very good condition. Provenance: Old French collection...

A lovely old silver and torquise mounted Conch shell, Tibet, 18th.-19th. century.

Attractive and substantial Buddhist antique. Thick silver folliage mount with animals and a demon masks. Mounted with torquise stones, one missing.

Size: Approx 22 cm. long and 10,5 cm. wide, weighing a good 680-700 grams.

Ex. Danish Private Collection.

A copper "gau" prayer box, the lid with chased Kalachakra mantra. Inside a fine "tsakli" painting on canvas in colors and gold, depicting the deity "Green Tara", sitting on a lotus throne. The fitted tsakli is removable and with no inscription on the backside. Condition: painting little rubbed, gau interior with some verdigris. Dimension: gau: 9.5 x 11.3 x 3.2 cm, height tsakli: c. 8.5 cm.

An antique silver box with hinged lid standing on four ball feet and a small silver tray decorated with cloves on four legs. Both items unmarked. Condition: traces of age, minimally distorted, the box with few tiny losses. Dimension: box: c. 13.8 x 7.8 x 3.4 cm, weight: c. 192 g, tray: c. 17.5 x 12 x 3 cm, weight: c. 75 g.

Interesting and beautiful large procession lance, Indian or South East Asian, ca. 17th.18th. century.

The lance very elaborate with a huge leaf-shaped blade, decorated with a zig-zag pattern, and a central high relief midrib. The socket edged. A very high end lance, solidly made of brassy bronze like the South Indian sculptures. Could also be african / Benin but we don't think so since the casting is different and the design does not look african...

Ritual dagger ("phurpa") formerly used by a shaman during religious ceremonies. Wood, with nice dark patina. Textiles attached on top with a chain. Old restoration with a forged metal point on the lower part of the dagger. Nepal, early 19th century. Height: 13 1/4" (32,5 cm). The phurpa is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Good condition.

Statue of a household protecting ancestor, sitting on a rounded base, his head with an unusual pointed top, his hands in "namaste" posture. Wood, with fine age patina. Nepal, 19th century. Height: 35 cm. Strong abrasion due to great age, otherwise good condition. Provenance: collected in Kathmandu in 1974.

Antique Indian miniature painting of ladies in a harem. The wife or woman of highest stature is waited on by three lovely ladies. All four of the women are clothed in ornate textiles and with fine jewelry. The seated lady is being served wine in a small gold cup. Painted in gouache and gold on paper. Dates from the 18th/19th century.

Dimensions: 5 3/8" high x 3 1/2" wide

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 Tibetan painting of a boddhisatva framed. The front and back are visible through glass panes. A crowned central figure, boddhisatva, sits atop a lotus bloom holding a white peony flower in his left hand. He is surrounded by 7 figures. 18th century. Mineral pigments on cotton. Measures 24.5" by 18.5", framed 29" by 23".

Strap made of a piece of thick leather, and cast silver and brass ornaments with turquoise.
Beautiful typical Sino-Tibetan craftsmanship including the face and hands of Kirtimukha ("face of glory").
This kind of strap was mainly used to attach a big knife.
This belt strap has obviously been repaired and remade (see pix). The turquoise have been replaced by an other old one; the silver and brass pieces are at least 19th C...

Small bronze Indian sculpture of the elephant headed Hindu god Ganesha, known as the Remover of Obstacles, beautifully formed head and body with plumpness of arms and legs, one hand and crown missing, encrusted patina with hints of vermilion, 13th/14th century. Size: 2 5/8" high x 2 1/8" wide

Excellent quality antique Himalayan Nepalese large ritual bronze Buddhist oil lamp Sukunda, 18th century, Nepal, Newar tribe Kathmandu Valley.

The lamp consists of an oil storage pitcher with a dragon-shaped handle made of several elements of copper alloy, hand-forged, repoussé, and engraved, soldered, riveted, and hinged together.

The pitcher holds oil for use during rituals...

Antique colonial Indian illustrations of the procession of Allah. Allah with his wife, Robers, tiger hunting, and other scenes and portraits. There are 12 illustrations all Hand painted and finely Detailed. They range in size from 4.75" by 4.25" to the largest 6.5" by 4.5". Early 19th century.

Rare silver mounted boar's tusk opium pipe from the Himalayas in the Tibetan area. The bowl is in the form of a dragon's head with dark blue glass eyes and has a cover fashioned as the dragon's nose with a chain attached. Marked 925. This is real treasure for the collector and is in excellent working condition. Following the outer curve it measures 7.5 inches. Dates circa 1900.

Originally, this graceful sculpture may have stood at the doorway of a palace or temple as a warning to all malicious spirits not to enter. The tradition of lions guarding doors and gates is ancient and common to a great variety of cultures, including the Egyptians, Assyrians, Romans, and Chinese. There is a strong Chinese influence in this piece, suggesting open relations between the two cultures.

18th Century - Rajputana, India

Dimensions: 16 1/2" x 5 7/8" x 11 5/8"

Antique bronze Ganesha riding a bull. The Ganesha is wonderfully animated as it holds the four attributes. Obtained in the 1960s from Katmandu. It measures 1.75" wide .5" deep at base 3.75" tall, 20th century.

Miniature 18th century Indian bronze shrine for a home altar in a form of a courtyard with generally recognizable figures of Shiva, his wife Parvati, Naga (hooded cobra), and facing them their elephant-headed son Ganesha, another Naga, Nandi the bull of Shiva and Shiva lingam. Very nice simple devotional sculpture with earnest casting and detailing, good patina from being touched during worship, a lot of compressed dust, very pleasant feel of age. Length 15/16 inches.

Nepalese manuscript, numerous diagrams, ink on paper, 54 pages (27 double sided) each page 7x20 cm, undated, estimated to be 18th century or earlier. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.

Large and important bust of Hindu goddess Parvati, wife of god Shiva. This beautiful lost wax chiseled and cast bust made of bronze underlines perfectly the harmony of the face and the beauty of the jewelry the goddess is wearing. India, 19th/20th century. Height: 30.2 cm. Very good condition. NOTE 1: As the title implies, ("Parvati Mukhalinga"), this bust was associated with the Linga of Shiva. The Linga is a phallic symbol, symbolising the power of Shiva.

Tibetan Himalayan Monastery Monk's Pray Table used in the Monastery, Ca. 1800's, 31" wide, 23" high, 13 1/4" deep, Lacquered on top of raised design low relief design of the scrolling vines on the both sides and Snow Lions Face in front upper section, large carved Buddhist Lotus Leaves on the bottom section. This Pray Table is in original old condition, no restorations or any new lacquer finish added...

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.

A large bronze image, cast in two pieces, showing the Tamil deity Aiyanar riding on his horse. The bejewelled cavalier is holding a curved sword and a round shield, wearing decorated bloomers. The stallion with sumptuous harness. Condition: traces of usage. Dimension: c. 29.8 cm high, c. 24 cm long, c. 8.8 cm wide, weight: 3.4 kg.

An interesting and rare bronze shrine or figure, depicting a Deity, likely Vishnu, seated on a Throne with a large construction at his back, with a Lion mask on top. Cobra hood over his head. South India, ca. 18th. century.

Size: 19 cm.

Condition: Choice, smoothly polished front, the back with an fine very old brown patina.

Ex. Old Danish Collection of Indian bronzes figures of the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist religions, aquired from ca. 1955 to 1990s.

Indian black schist carving of dancing Ganesha, the elephant headed god (the Remover of Obstacles) stands with his own broken tusk in one hand, and ax in the other, trunk is sampling sweets in upper left hand, just below his lower right hand is his mouse vehicle, white and vermilion traces, beautiful modeling of body, from Uttar Pradesh, 15th century. Size: 7 3/4" high x 4 1/2" wide

This lovely antique bell is a traditional Ghanta, which is a Tibetan Buddhist ritual bell, sometimes called Dril, bu,and/or singing bell. Just over 6 inches tall, this Ghana is paired with the Dorje at the top of the handle, and the surface is decorated with an abundance of Tibetan symbols. This bell has the original clapper, has a lovely tone and beautiful patina. Bell is 6.5 inches (16.5 CM) tall

The Ghanta represents feminine power, wisdom, receptiveness, and the voice of the Buddha.

Small "ghau", the front side, made of bronze, is decorated with a foliage and lotus design, the box itself ans its lid being made of copper with bronze handles. The "ghau" contains a tiny bronze statue of Bodhisattava Manjusri and textile. Fine age patina. A leather cord allows attachement of the "ghau" to a belt. Tibet, 19th century. Very good condition.

Antique 19th century Tibetan, huge Drinking Horn used to hold and dispense Chhaang or barley beer. The slightly curved large horn body mounted with four brass mounts each hammered and finely repoussed with Ruyi heads and roiling waves ornaments and fitted with three suspension loops. The wider end has been plugged with a disk of wood...

Indian pataka showing Hanuman. 50x49cm. Red ink on paper. Extensive restoration. Undated, estimated to be 19th century, or earlier. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.

18th century Indian bronze chhappa (a tantric ritual stamp), its base leaving an imprint of a peacock feather. The chhappas were used during tantric temple ceremonies to stamp the proscribed parts of the body such as the forehead, cheeks, shoulders, forearms and stomach with a paste of white (for Vaishnavites) or red (for Shaivites) sandalwood. The marks on the body provide a visual display of the adherent’s devotion and transfer the beneficence of the deity to the wearer...

4 Indian folk paintings, Double sided, Each 18 x 18 cm, gouache on paper, inscriptions above each. Undated estimated to be mid 19th century or earlier. Mounted under Perspex.

Two Tibetan stem platters for ritual offerings, made from hardwood with metal sheet. The center decorated with a wheel, one of the eight Buddhist Symbols. Torma are cone shaped ritual food offerings sculpted in a variety of shapes and sizes, mostly made of flour and butter. Condition: traces of usage, one piece with an old repair (was broken in two). Dimension: diameter: c. 19 cm, height: 6 cm and 7.3 cm, weight: 1200 g.

A Miniature Tsakli of Vajrabhairava. Painted on cotton. Buriatia 19thC. Size; 12.5 x 9.5 cm. Condition; very light wear. Tsakli are miniature paintings which are used in various Buddhist rituals. Provenance; this Tsakli was included in the exhibition 'Art of Buriatia, Buddhist Icons from Southern Siberia' held at Spink in December 1996, No 32. Buriatia lies predominately to the east of Lake Baikal in Southern Siberia and above Mongolia. The traditional religion was Shaman...

DESCRIPTION: A large Mongolian trunk, the front delightfully hand painted with a large, colorful bird perched upon leafy blooms, around which are fanciful borders of butterflies, pomegranates, lilies and large red blossoms. Sturdily constructed of light weight Poplar wood, the top and sides are lacquered black while the back is red. A perfect place to store linens and blankets, it would also make an attractive bedside table. Very good condition and dating from around 1900 - 1910. DIMENSIONS: ...

This is a well-painted Tibetan thangka dating to the last quarter of the 19th century. The piece measures 10" X15" and would benefit from a cleaning. Some creases and folding, as seen in the photographs. A very desirable subject and 100% authentic.

Antique Tibetan pair of offering bowls. Each bowl is carved of burl wood and has an ornate silver foot decorated with cabochons of coral and turquoise. The silver bottom of each bowl is incised with a scene of mother and baby fu lions. The bowls have interiors that have been lined and edged with silver.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions of each: 2 1/2" high x 6 1/4" wide

Late 18th to early 19th century small Indian bronze votive sculpture of Vitthali and his consort Rukmini standing on a base next to each other with an ornate probhavali behind their backs. Vitthali is regarded as a form of Vishnu or Krishna, h name means “standing on a brick”, he is usually shown in characteristic stance with his hands on his hips. He is also known as Vithoba or Panduranga, and is worshipped in particular in Pandharpur, not far from Bombay. Nice casting and detailing, pleasa...

18th century Indian bronze votive sculpture of Ganesha sitting on an elevated base 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 such as marriage or new business. He bestows good luck on his worshippers, and is prayed to in some forms of Tantric worship. Very nice casting and detailing, beautiful warm patina, wonderful feel of age produced by devotio...

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.

Household protection mask, flat, of squarish shape, with rounded forehead incised with stylized hair design, very small incised highly stylized ears, small pierced through round eyes, long nose, rectangular pierced through mouth showing teeth, roundish short chin. Wood, with partly encrusted brown patina. Himalayan Region, early 19th century, probably earlier. Height: 11 3/4" (29,7 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand which enhances its strange beauty. Erosion at base of chin,...

Antique Indian Bindriware vase. Made of bronze with silver overlay and incised designs of scrolling vines and flowers. This type of metal work originates from the area of Bindar, India and has long been valued as a symbol of wealth.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions: 10 3/4" high x 5 1/4" wide

Rare Tibetan antique skull drum called a damaru (or damru). Two skulls make up the two sided drum connected in the middle. Two small beads at the end of thin cords attached in the center beat the drum when it held upright and twisted. A long silk sash (chopen) decorated with two tassels and auspicious symbols hangs from the center. The damaru is a sacred instrument adopted from the Hindu tantric practices of ancient India. The damaru is believed to be an instrument of the Lord Shiva with w...

Both the wooden front and back covers of this Buddhist Sutra book are hand carved with different symbols. The numerous text pages are beautifully written with rich black ink with specific words written in red ink. The book still has its original leather binding strap.

This Tibetan sutra book approximately 12 inches wide, 4 inches tall, and 2 inches thick. Though the pages are in good condition, the covers show years of wear and use and is a wonderful artifact of an old culture.

A very fine and detailed piece inlaid with silver and copper. In the center a sitting Tirthankara. Beautiful wear and patina due to centuries of worshipping. H. 13 cm. Provenance: private collection Belgium.

An Indian stone surahi expertly turned on a lathe from a single piece of black steatite, a variety of soapstone. It is beautifully made and very light, displaying the remarkable hollowing performed by the artisan. It relates directly to bronze and brass versions from the 18th century. With this flask is a turned alabaster bowl, also elegantly made, that has a curious slightly domed bottom. The bowl perhaps dates from the 19th century. Given the nature of the materials used these are both rare i...

A very fine solid cast Tibetan bronze depicting a six-armed Mahakala. Excellent detail- note the finely cast skull crown as well as the excellent facial detail. The piece is free of any damage and measures 4-5/8" in height

A very fine quality antique 19th century, Islamic, Indo-Persian, lacquered papier mache bowl of lobed circular form, with a scalloped rim on a raised circular foot. It has 26 lobed petals superbly hand-painted in gold and various pigments with flower sprays, foliage, and teardrop-shaped paisley motifs. The lower rounded body is finely hand-painted with floral sprays and perching birds (gul-o-bulbul, roses and nightingales). The interior of the bowl is fitted with a brass lining.

REFERENCE...

Miniature statue of Buddha Gautama, in formal attire, wearing diadem, a lotus flower beside each shoulder, his hands in "dharmacakra mudra", sitting cross-legged on a lotus throne. Bronze, with fine reddish-green patina. Tibet, 17th century, maybe earlier. Height: 4.9 cm. Erosion due to great age, otherwise very good condition. NOTE: This particular mudra symbolizes the "turning of the Wheel of the Law", one of the most important moments in the life of Buddha, the occasion when he preached to h...

Head of Citipati, made of embossed bronze with gilding on the front and red painting to enhance the eyes. Fine green patina in the recesses and on the back. The head is pierced on its top and lower side to allow not to be worn on a necklace that was used by a Tibetan lama or oracle particularly during the Cham ceremonies and dances. Tibet, early 19th century. Height: 7.5 cm. Very good condition.

Very handsome and attractive small head of Buddha, GANDHARA, 2-3rd Century, Grey Schist. The youthful face is well defined with handsome features following a classical Hellenistic-Greek style. The crescent shaped hair is toped by a raised ushnisha and a small urna is between the delicately arched eyebrows. The ear has a large pierced lobe. The nose and earlobe are slightly chipped, but inconsequential when considering the overall beauty of the exceptional face. This sidewards looking sculpted ...

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.

Indian 19th century painting on mica showing 2 elephants fighting enraged by fire works, 19.5x14.5cm, old descriptive label on reverse, old wood mount, can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.