A BRONZE OIL LAMP (CHIRAGHDAN), INDIA, 18TH / 19th CENTURY.
The large and impressive lamp is formed of three parts that are joined using screw threads. It seems a permanent arrangement, as I cannot shift them now. The tapering bosses on the column are very striking. Heavy!
14” tall, base diameter is 5.3/16”. Fine condition and patina.
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The flask (surahi) is expertly turned on a lathe from a single piece of black steatite, a soft stone related to 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 c... Click for details
An Anglo-Indian work box made in the Visagapatam district of south India, of rectangular shape with foliate edges. The vacant interior is enclosed by two sloping hinged covers and a high semi circular handle in the middle.The veneer is horn and the mounts ivory. The borders are finely engraved and then enhanced with black ink in garlands of local flora whilst the central cartouches are pierced and studded.The box is raised on four disc-shaped feet.The interior and base are of light colour wood, ... Click for details
A substantial Anglo-Indian silver jug worked in the repoussee style with riders on horseback, exotic bird, bullock and jungle beast against an overall background of dense flowers and foliage.The shaped cover of the jug is decorated with a well- modelled equestrian figure on a prouncing horse . Made in the Cutch region of India, this group of silver ware tend to derive their shape from contemporary Victorian patterns and their decoration from indigenous motifs.This is an excellent example of craf... Click for details
Antique Indian Painted Cosmetic Box, 19th Century, Wood and Metal. Very Good Condition. 4.5 x 4.5 inches (11.5 x 11.5 cm). From the collection of a prominent author on and collector of Asian art.
An Anglo-Indian box from the Visagapatam region, with a dome-shaped cover , veneered in horn and decorated in typical black pen design, the straps decorated with studs. It is rare to find one fitted with a watch stand and ring slots. age: C. 1860. size: 6 1/2 inches (17cm) long X 4 1/2 inches (11.5cm) wide X 2 2/5 inches ( 6cm) high. condition: very good indeed.
TWO BRONZE/BRASS LOTA, INDIA, 19TH CENTURY OR EARLIER.
These lota are so similar in size and shape that one could be forgiven for calling them a pair. They differ only in the placement and thickness of their bands. I have owned them for more years than I care to remember and have always admired their elegant simplicity. They are cast, quite heavy; and impossible to date accurately as the design probably dates b... Click for details
The curved blade and hilt are cast in one piece and must have had some kind of ceremonial use. Probably Mughal Indian or Indo Persian in origin and exhibiting decent age, I would think 18th century or earlier.
The bird, possibly a parakeet, forms the oil reservoir of a small suspended oil lamp. Similar birds are illustrated in Mark Zebrowski’s “Gold, Silver and Bronze from Mughal India”, some dating as early as the 16th century. This seems to be a very old example also and so a possible dating to 17th to 18th century seems cautious but fair.
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A FINE SILVER EWER, INDIA OR INDO PERSIAN, 19TH CENTURY
This superbly crafted silver jug was possibly used for serving tea or coffee. It seems to be similar to the work produced in northern India. Although unmarked it appears to be made from good quality silver and will polish well, I have left it unpolished so as to show the detailed work better.
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