Impressive Blackstone stele of Surya the Sungod, Pala period, 10th.-11th. cent. AD.
A carving in grey-black stone depicting Surya holding lotuses, riding a chariot drawn by seven horses, each depicting a day of the week and named after the seven meters of Sanskrit prosody, Gayatri, Brihati, Ushnih, Jagati, Trishtubha, Anushtubha and Pankti...
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.
Interesting bronze finials, incl. one with an figure and a finely sculptured bronze peacock ornament with loops, c. 19th. century AD.
Two amulet bronze plaques, one with deity or worshipper, size: 12,5-13 cm. and a substantial peacock ornament with loops, size: 11,8 x 10 cm.
Condition: Intact with red and bronze patinas, with some glucerin stains and dirt deposits, probably from use - uncleaned.
Ex. Danish Private Collection.
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...
An antique, 18th –19th century Indian, finely cast, copper alloy figure depicting an Indian Hindu deity, Rama. The figure is shown standing on a square plinth, with hands on hips. Rama is wearing a long dhoti tied at the waist with a sash falling down the sides of the legs. The upper torso is adorned with necklaces, and the arms have armlets and bracelets. The face is flanked by elongated earlobes and is topped by a high conical headdress...
Albumen Photograph of Egyptian Ruins of Doorways with Hieroglyphs, Frith originally etched on plate, size: 8.5"H x 6.5"W, good condition, matted and framed in gold leaf frame, overall dimensions: 27"H x 21"W. Photographed in 1857 on 2nd trip to Middle East. Print Date: 1857. One of the first to travel and photograph area. Reference: Egypt and the Holy Land by Richard Lunn.
Statue of Jambhala, also known as Kubera or Vaishravana, wearing necklace, dhoti and diadem, sitting on a double lotus throne, holding the mongoose that spits jewels in his left hand and a currency in his right hand. The statue may have had a mandorla affixed at its back in the past. Bronze, with green and reddish patina particularly under the statue. Tibet, early 19th century. Height: 7 cm. Very good condition. NOTE: Kubera is the Tibetan God of Wealth and Prosperity.
Late 18th to early 19th century votive Indian bronze sculpture of Rukmini - a consort of Vitthali, who is regarded as a form of Vishnu or Krishna. His 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. She is shown with the same hand positioning, very good casting and sharp detailing - see her jewelry...
Instead of shoes, sandals such as these were worn in villages throughout India. Hand carved from indigenous woods, frequently teak and fitted to the individual wearer. The knob on the toe prevented the sandals from falling off and no other attachment was used.
An interesting and decorative Tibetan mixed metals dish, probably for a temple decoration, 19th/20th. cent.
The dish elaborately decorated with multible gemstones incl. corals, torquise, glass stones and filigree. Mounted with 4 small buddha figures. Hanger at the back and old note from the collector: ''This Plate En kript(?) was purchased by a Tibetan refugee in India in 1960.''
Diameter: 26 cm.
Condition: Choice Very fine...
This is an antique Tibetan portable altar table used by a high lama to perform ritual ceremonies and prayers. It is decorated with curtain front cut-out panels that have a central snow lion carving and it is surrounded by beautiful articulated cloud formation. On the outer frame, it has a pho bamboo carving and beyond that is a scrolling lotus motif...
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)
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.
A Tibetan single seat meditation mat (Kang ma type) of hand woven wool with the central field decorated with floral pattern in different colour on a deep red background; a meander frame in white on blue indigo is separating the central square from the outer border of floral design on rust colour. The rug is finished with thick red cotton frame and blue cotton backing. Tibet, early 20th cent. Measurements: L. 76,5 x W 67 cm; L...
Antique Tibetan tsakli card painted with the figure of Canda-Vajrapani. The fierce deity is one of the earliest bodhisattvas of Mahayana Buddhism. Considered the protector and guide of Gautama Buddha, he symbolizes the manifestation of the Buddha's power. On this card, he is shown with vajra in hand, a tiger skin around his waist, surrounded by his flaming nimbus...
17th Century Tibetan Amitabha Thangka, 46.5 x 25.5 inches, 118 x 65 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.
The phurba is one of the most important of the shaman's implements, and this particular phurba is an exceptional example of the great effort and tremendous creativity that goes into the making of this magical tool. It has an upper section with 3 faces, one smiling, one wrathful, and one peaceful. The middle section is a vajra (symbol of lightning) whose twin tips rest on knots of eternity...
Indian Jain painting. Inks on paper. Western India. 19th cent. or earlier. 51 x 53 cm.
Backed onto new paper with losses evident. Can be viewed in central London by arrangement.
4 Indian Company School Paintings.
Patna. mid 19th cent.
Pencil annotations.
255x 210 mm. Mounted.
Antique Nepali Sarangi Musical String Instrument with sublimely rendered tiger and human figures, from the published and renowned collection of Sam Hilu, a prominent author and adviser on traditional Asian art, 27 x 7.5 inches, 68.5 x 19 cm.
Nicely carved statue of Hindu god Vitthal, standing, wearing formal attire and jewelry, arms akimbo...
This small elaborate Buddhist monk's medicine bottle is sewn into a larger pouch of burgundy homespun wool fabric with yellow/gold silk lining. When worn, the stopper would be securely held in the bottle by a system of handmade cords and bands. The medicine bottle would be worn outside the robes and suspended on the Monk's belt. These were used for both travel and ceremonies.
Four wonderfully executed oval Indian paintings of Mughal rulers in gouache and gold on paper. Framed behind glass in a gilt wooden frame, in France in the 19th century. The passe-partout with handwritten titles as: "Shah Ichan" (Jahan?), "Shah Alum" (Alam), "Azime Shah" and "Miran Shah". Reverses with the label of the framer. Condition: the frames with traces of usage and age and small losses, one frame damaged. Dimension: portraits: c. 9.5 x 7.5 cm, frames: 24 x 20 cm.
Leather Tibetan Trunk with Peach and Clouds, 18th/19th century
56"L 20.5D 29H, Colored with green, yellow, blue and reds, Central Lozenge with Peach and Scrolling Vine, Outside Clouds, borders by Scrolling Vines, Iron Strapping Bands, hand-sawn wood surfaces, pitted loss to front face by peach.
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.
This hand-hammered cup stand is made of solid silver, has a cylindrical, tapered foot, is finely hand chased with lotus flowers among scrolling patterns, and three gilded medallions with engraved Pa...
An Mughal Indian Brass Water Flask, Surai.
The elegant vessel with a screw top.
Heavily cast and with turned decoration.
Deccan, N India 19thc.
Height: 11 3/4" (29.8 cm).
Condition; very good, has been polished.
1800s or earlier
This representation of the female deity in seated position retains its old brown patina with areas of verdigris both on the exterior of the image as well as the interior of the base. The overall condition is very good with some minor wear but no apparent damages. Acquired from a Chapel Hill, NC estate, originally collected in the 1930s.
Height: 3 ½ in.. Width: 2 5/8 in.
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). Mahakala is an emanation of Boddhisattva Avalokiteshvara and the leader of the dharmapalas (Defenders of the Buddhist Law), his name means “beyond time/death”, and he represents the flow of time. This is 6-armed form of Mahakala with each hand holding a different implement, the crown is adorned with 5 skulls and a s...
Late 19th to early 20th century Indian bronze votive sculpture of Ganesha sitting on Mooshika - a bandicoot rat that serves as Ganesha’s vehicle - on rectangular base. 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. With Ganesha being a destroyer of obstacles and the deity of wealth, Mooshika the rat is perfect for the job: he gnaws t...
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" ...
This antique Tibetan purse would have been used as a costume ornament during festival. It is decorated with silver and bronze fittings and coral and turquoise stones. Passed from generation to generation, and used extensively, this piece shows it age. Such purses would have held precious coins and the occasional flint but would not be considered as a Tibetan "strike a light" because of the lack of the striker plate.
Antique Indian Mughal album leaf miniature painting of a prince with tiger. He stands adorned in sumptuous clothing, intricately embroidered with tiny florals. A blue halo and bejeweled crown imply his Imperial rank. He holds a small pink blossom. This is most likely a portrait of the Emperor Jahangir, son of Akbar the Great. Beside him sits a tiger, emphasizing the Emperor's power and wealth as well as an appreciation of the beauty of nature often found in Mughal art. Along the top of the...
Antique silver protective amulet in the shape of a temple representing the horseman “Bhumiya Ray”, worn par Rajput, India ,Rajasthan. H : 4,5c. CE 228 (see Bibliography)
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. The front is finely h...
Tibetan Buddhist monks Hand made folded paper with text and amulets. one side mostly with text and amulets on lower section. other side drawn amulet drawings with text
This piece was from a collection gathered in Tibet in the late 60's..aged conservatively from the 1800's
Very old and important grotesque mask, with an accentuated grinning expression. Wood, traces of black pigments. Himalayan Region, Arunachal Pradesh, Monpa Sherdukpen Peoples, 18th century, probably earlier. Height: 11 1/8" (28 cm). The mask is mounted on a custom wood stand. Strong erosion, old insect infestation (no danger), otherwise good condition. Provenance: old American collection.
Rare antique Nepalese made of copper alloys traveling pen case and attached inkwell from 18th century Nepal.
The tubular pen case is finely hand-chiseled on the one site with 8 Auspicious Symbols of Tibetan Buddhism including:
The Conch, Parasol, Golden fish, Treasure Vase of sacred water, Victory banner, lotus blossom, endless eternal knot, the opposite site is chiseled with foliate scrollwork. The pen case is attached by three chains to the inkwell.
The inkwell is made in the for...
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
Small wool carpet with lotus design. Large central lotus is dark blue on pink hued ground. It is surrounded by blue and pink blooms. It measures 27" by 24". Made of wool. Overall 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. It is hand made of copper, the very top of his head is missing a pie...
One point vajra, which belonged to a lower rank Buddhist lama. Bronze, with two old textile wrappings to protect fingers against the power of the thunderbolt. Tibet, early 19th century. Length: 21.5 cm. Abrasion due to great age, otherwise very good condition.
Indian 19th century Tantric diagram. Inks on paper. 43x33 cm. Framed. Can be viewed in central London by arrangement or deframed and shipped worldwide.
Rare plate decorated with a relief design representing two intertwined Citipati dancing together on a lotus. Gilt copper, fine patina. Tibet, 19th century. Height: 39.4 cm. Very good condition.
Antique Indian carved wooden doors. Made of heavy hardwood and ornately carved with rosettes and scrolling vines. The upper portion has a window made of two hinged carved panels. The lower portion is decorated with a series of three-dimensional roundels.
Age: 19th century
Dimensions: 77 1/2" high (79 1/2" high with dowels) x 43" wide
Four Arms Avalokiteshvara (Tibetan: Chenrezig; Chinese: Sibi Guanyin), the Bodhisattva who embody the Universal Compassion. Seated in meditation with the upper hands holding a prayer beads and a lotus; the lower ones in worshiping Mudra ( Anjiali Mudra). Made of purple sandalwood (zitan), a very precious type of wood dear to Himalayan worshippers.
The image is painted and has remains of gilding in the halo. As it is normal for images of this type, it is assembled from several pieces. The bot...
Early 19th century Tibetan thangka depicting Buddha Amitabha surrounded by his eight manifestations. Amitabha is the Buddha of Infinite Light and presides over Sukhavati (the Western Paradise). Beautifully painted with natural mineral pigments on cotton, wonderful tranquil face, original silk mounts, original silk gauze cloth protecting the painting from light and wear (can be seen bunched up for the purpose of photography on top of the mounts on Enlargement 2). Excellent quality painting, some ...
A Sri Lankan Lime Container
of copper and brass.
One side with an inlaid silver roundel.
A copper spoon on a brass chain.
Sri Lanka L19thC
Length unopened: 5 5/8" (14.5 cm).
Condition: some wear
Brush case, nicely embossed with an openwork decoration representing three stylised Buddhist vajras on either side, surrounded with a foliage and geometric design. Silver alloy, with a fine age patina. The center of each vajra must have contained a coral or turquoise to enhance the beauty of the case. The case was made in Tibet in the 19th century, maybe earlier. Length: 33.5 cm. Very good condition .
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...
Though the traditional practice of Tibetan "sky burial" is well known. But in some areas of Tibet the Buddhist practice of cremation is also used for some individuals, and The ashes are placed in a box made specifically for that purpose.
This cremation box dates to the 18th century and has carved line decoration on the sides...
It is made so that the top is keyed to the bottom and slides open from one end. Although the slide still works, with age etc, the top and bottom have warped so tha...
Fine early Tibetan/Mongolian Steel Fire Lighter in Leather case mounted with brass and iron and still with a piece of flint in the pocket inside, 18th.-19th. century.
Fine early piece in excellent uncleaned condition with lots of fine patina, intact.
Size: 11,7 x 10,3 cm.
Ex. Private collection of Ulf Gudmundsen from the 1950s to 2007. An important collection of Tribal African and Asian antiques.
Antique Tibetan silver incense burner in three pieces. Created as a smaller version of a kapala (skull cup) ritual vessel for Buddhist ceremonies. The censor seats into a triangular base covered with designs of swirling mist and Sanskrit symbols. The lid is similarly decorated and has a vajra finial.
Age: 19th century
Dimensions: 7 3/4" high x 4 1/4" wide x 4 1/2" wide
Large mezzotint on thick paper showing Muhammad Ali Khan Nawab of Arcot
and the Carnatic. 1771, published 1772. Size 63x40cm. This print was made after an oil painting by Francis Swain Ward of 1763. Pencil annotations at base. Crease upper right side, small margin tears. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide. See the example in the Royal Collection Trust ref number RCIN 618757. That was recently exhibited at The Queens Gallery, London
Architectural element (part of a beam, or a corner), nicely carved in relief and representing Garuda, the vehicle of Hindu god Vishnu, half-bird, half-man, in his anthropomorphic appearance. Heavy wood (probably from the Southern part of Nepal), dark patina. Nepal, 19th century or earlier. Height: 13" (34 cm); The piece is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. A few chips, otherwise very good condition.
Long Chinese/Tibetan rug, made of wool, woven with design of 5 dragons and swirling clouds on rust color ground, circa first quarter of 20th century.
Size: 181" long x 32" wide
18th century Indian bronze votive sculpture of Ganesha sitting on a rectangular throne with probhavali at his back, his vahana (vehicle) - a bandicoot rat - by his left foot, and holding his usual attributes in his 4 hands. This Ganesha has his trunk turned to the left, and it is strongly advisable for worshippers to keep left sided Ganesha statue at home. They are believed to be representing Ida Nadi (lunar energy) with its moonlike nature and feminine energy with a cooling effect. Ganesha is t...
Head of a moustached nobleman, wearing an elaborate turban, with an interesting mixture of Greek and Indian features. Grey schist. Pakistan, Gandhara Graeco-Buddhist period, 1st to 3rd century. The head is nicely munted on a custom stand. Height (without stand): 4 1/2" (11,4 cm). Nose and chin slightly chipped, otherwise good condition.
Indian painting of a woman on a black background upon a marbled page.Undated, estimated to be late 18th century.
41 x 30 cm. Surrounded by hand drawn calligraphy between elaborate borders. Text on reverse. Framed and glazed.
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 design of long tassels hangs from the top and the bottom is woven with mountains rising from striations of waves a...
A walking cane or parasol handle made of silver with fine repousse and chased decoration of three ascetics and Lord Krishna playing the flute amidst cottages and trees. With a dated and inscribed cartouche in shield form, top with monogram, unmarked. Condition: one dent, short split, top slightly dented. Dimension: length: 24.3 cm.