South Indian Antique Metal Clad Wood Rice Bucket

A very fine pair antique Indian Bidri Ware vases of teardrop shape with linear and floral petal designs in silver overlay probably dating from the late 19th...

A fine antique Indian Bidriware twin handled tray inlaid with silver leaf designs and dating from the latter 19th century. The tray stands raised on rectangular shaped foot and is of...

An unusual antique/vintage Indian Khond tribe attributed stylized patinated metal, possibly bronze, seated dog figure sculpture believed to date to the late 19th or early 20th centur...

A stytlish antique Indian or Middle Eastern coconut vase overlaid and mounted with brass dating from the 19th century. The vase has a coconut body with an inset turned wood base and ...

A fine antique Asian Indian brass alms dish molded with a hamsa bird design and dating from the 19th century. The hamsa is believed to be based on ...

A very finely made antique Indian silver filigree card case presented in its original fitted box dating from the 19th century. The card case is of flat rectangular shape with a simple friction fitting detachable cover which fits snuggly over a shaped overlapping inner edge. The case is made from panels separated by thin silver banding...

South Indian Hindu Silver Amulet necklace Heavy bullet shaped Amulet necklace with pointed ends with floral and geometric design High grade silver Pendant Length 9 cm weight 90 ...

Presenting a lovely antique Indian Dhokra horse and rider sculpture. Probably from the late 19th or early 20th century as is evidenced by its natural patina and clear evidence of age. It depicts an Indian Warrior with a sword in his right hand mounted on his horse/steed. The warrior is in classical and ancient Southeast Asian Indian attire and he holds the horse’s reins in his left hand. The body of the horse is a series of lines (in the Classic Dhokra Style) and it has a tribal headdress...

Antique Indian finely hand engraved and embossed tin serving tray with Mughal motifs.

A set of three antique Indian metal vessels from the 19th century with weathered patina. Each of the three antique metal pots feature narrow necks t...

19th century Anglo Raj Moorish Mughal bronzed handcrafted metal copper pot vessel. Originally used to carry water, this hand-hammered metal vessel from India has authentic texture, wonderful patina, and great form and character. Great patina on finely engraved and embossed copper vessel with floral designs. The handle is also hammered with floral designs. Dark nice antique patina great to use as a cachepot or vase indoor or outdoor. Indian hand-hammered and carved copper vase would be a rustic decorative item in most homes, and would be perfect in a kitchen where it would add an exotic touch. Handcrafted in Rajasthan India, used for water or milk bucket.

Northern India or Deccan, late 19th century L. approx. 82 cm (excl. stand) Provenance: Private collection, United Kingdom This remarkable gilt-silver soonta (ceremonial sceptre) also known as choba (ceremonial mace) with a tiger's head stands out as an unparalleled example. It has a wooden base, clad with thick sheet part-gilt silver and has fine details such as teeth and a curling tongue. Especially with the inlaid glass eyes, in combination with the grand sculptural design, it would have been integral to an Indian maharaja’s attire, known as lawajama in North India and biruthus in South India, as referenced by Jackson & Jaffer. They would symbolise authority, power, and sometimes an attribute of various deities, particularly those associated with strength or combat. For instance, the Hindu god Hanuman, known for his immense strength, is often depicted holding a mace (*chob* or gada in Sanskrit). Similarly, the god Vishnu and his avatar Krishna are also frequently depicted with a mace among their other attributes. Courtiers would raise these sceptres wrapped in rich brocades, with the head visible, during processions, signalling their association with the monarch. Alongside fly-whisks and standards, they were indispensable in ceremonial parades, underscoring the ruler's prestige. Terlinden notes that a soonta berdar was tasked with carrying the sceptre. These individuals, proficient in courtly manners, played key roles during audiences, from managing entrances to introducing guests. Their esteemed position often earned them generous rewards, including land grants. See for a depiction of sceptres in use the top right of a painting in the collection of the V&A, titled Processional scene with Amar Singh, ruler of Thanjavur (Tanjore), and Sarabhoji, from circa 1797. For a very comparable piece, but with an elephant’s head, see the collection of the Indian Museum, Kolkata. For other less similar examples, see the V&A Museum London. Sources: A. Jackson & A. Jaffer, Maharaja: The Splendour of India’s Royal Courts, London, V&A Publishing, 1999 Christiane Terlinden Serra, Mughal Silver...