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.

This is a large and early Buddhist applique textile, dating to no later than the mid-19th century. The design consists of a double-dorje centering a "yin-yang" emblem, representing the masculine and feminine principles of the universe. The piece is complete and intact with minimal wear as one would expect. It measures just over 30" in diameter. Textiles such as this one are exceedingly rare and seldom found.

Symbolic plate representing the entangled faces of the sun and the moon in relief. Bronze, with fine patina and traces of the original gilding. India, 19th century. Height: 21.5 cm. Very good condition.

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.

This well-painted 19th century thangka depicts a three-headed tantric "Heruka" in "yab-yum" with his shakti. The figure is probably Vajrakila heruka, although I leave it to the more knowledgeable ones among you to decide the identity. The painting measures 10" X 13" and is free of any restoration or re-painting. In need of a cleaning.

Indian wedding palanquin for a bride. Made of a hardwood, possibly padauk, carved with florets and accented with iron details. The domed roof is constructed with a latticework. Doors and window openings are carved to mimic the architecture of a garden courtyard adding to the overall feminine quality of the palanquin.

Palanquins were the most popular means of transportation in British India prior to the introduction of horse-drawn vehicles and the railroad...

Tibetan seated figure likely that of arhat Ajita, one of the 16 arhats. He is identified by two corresponding features; his hands which are resting in his lap in dhyanamudra (the gesture of mediation) and his covered head. His face is handsome (due to an accumulation of virtue) and his gaze is tranquil. Made of gilt copper repousse and with silver repousse over laid details. He sits on a lotus base and his facial features are painted.

Age: circa 1900

A well-painted thangka dating to the 19th century depicting Vajrapani. The painting measures 9" X 10" and has been sewn down onto a black silk backing (original). Free of any restoration, damage, or repainting. A fine example of this iconic Buddhist image.

Antique Nepalese bronze figures of Yama Dharmaraja and Yami in tantric embrace. The buffalo headed Buddhist protector, Lord of Death and Justice stands with his consort. He tramples a male buffalo with one foot, a female victim with the other. He brandishes a skull-tipped stick in his right hand and his hair streams out in flames behind his horns.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions: 5 1/4" high x 3 1/4" wide x 2" deep

A set of three 19th century Indian jeweler's moulds, made of bronze, each one representing a Hindu deity. The first one shows a female deity, maybe Sarasvati, with four arms, holding her four attributes in her hands, riding a horse and surrounded by foliage. An inscription is incised at the back of the mould. Height: 6.3 cm. The second mould shows god Khandoba (a form of Shiva), holding a sword, riding a horse together with his wife, and accompanied by a dog running under the horse...

Old Tibetan cross phurbah. 3 faced Hayagriva. Brass 39 cm long. Weight 1460 grams. Undated, estimated to be mid 19th century or earlier. Can be viewed in central London.

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...

Antique Indian Mughal album leaf miniature painting most likely of the Emperor Jahangir on horseback. A halo and bejeweled crown imply his Imperial rank. Jahangir was ambitious about taking over the reign of his father, Akbar the Great, and the two were at odds until reconciling later in life. Akbar was a patron of the arts and it was he who brought together the Indian and Persian artists who defined the genre of Mughal miniature painting...

Antique Indian Mughal miniature painting of a court princess, holding a child's crown on a small, round tray. She is draped in shear yellow robes with red salwar and she is bedecked with jewels. Her long black hair flows down her back. Here beautiful face has a slight smile. Behind her are tall plants flowering yellow and white. This court painting was probably once an album leaf from an illuminated text...

Antique Tibetan bronze seated figure of Vajrasattva. Also called Dorje Sempa, Dorje means "indestructible diamond" and Sempa is the Tibetan term for Sattva in Sanskrit meaning "heroic being". Sempa in this case, refers to the role of a Bodhisattva, someone on the road to becoming a Buddha but who has stayed behind, selflessly dedicating themselves to helping others gain enlightenment...

Antique Tibetan tsakli card depicting a wrathful deity (Heruka) wielding a sword on horseback. Painted in mineral colors on paper with Sanskrit description on the back.

Tsakli cards are powerful miniature paintings of Buddhist deities and objects. They have many different ritual uses. They can be used for teaching when a lama holds the card out for a student to focus on, thus helping them with the visualization and meditation on that deity and what it represents...

Antique Tibetan tsakli card depicting a beast-headed ḍākinī. Painted in mineral colors on paper with Sanskrit writing on the back.

Tsakli cards are powerful miniature paintings of Buddhist deities and objects. They have many different ritual uses. They can be used for teaching when a lama holds the card out for a student to focus on, thus helping them with the visualization and meditation on that deity and what it represents...

Antique Tibetan tsakli card depicting a wrathful deity (Heruka) wielding a knife on the back of a fu-lion. Painted in mineral colors on paper with Sanskrit description on the back.

Tsakli cards are powerful miniature paintings of Buddhist deities and objects. They have many different ritual uses. They can be used for teaching when a lama holds the card out for a student to focus on, thus helping them with the visualization and meditation on that deity and what it represents...