16th Century More Asian Art, Objects and Furniture

An exceptional Indo-Portuguese colonial mother-of-pearl veneered casket with silver mounts India, Gujarat, 2nd half of the 16th century, the silver mounts Goa or probably Lisbon Measures: H. 16 x W. 24.6 x D. 16.1 cm An exceptional Gujarati casket with a rectangular box and truncated pyramidal lid (with slopes on each side and a flat top) made from exotic wood, probably teak (Tectona grandis), covered with a mother-of-pearl mosaic. The tesserae, cut from the shell of the green turban sea snail (Turbo marmoratus, a marine gastropod) in the shape of fish scales, are pinned to the wooden structure with silver ball-headed nails. The casket is set on bracket feet on the corners. The masterfully engraved decoration of the silver mounts follows the most refined and erudite Mannerist repertoire of rinceaux and ferroneries dating from the mid-16th century. The high quality and refinement of the silver mounts and, likewise, the silver nails that replaced the original brass pins used to hold the mother-of-pearl tesserae in place indicate the work of a silversmith probably working in Lisbon in the second half of the 16th century. The Indian origin of this production, namely from Cambay (Khambhat) and Surat in the present state of Gujarat in north India, is, as for the last three decades, consensual and fully demonstrated, not only by documentary and literary evidence - such as descriptions, travelogues and contemporary archival documentation - but also by the survival in situ of 16th-century wooden structures covered in mother-of-pearl tesserae. A fine example is a canopy decorating the tomb (dargah) of the Sufi saint, Sheik Salim Chisti (1478-1572) in Fatehpur Sikri in Agra district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, north India. This is an artistic production, geometric in character and Islamic in nature, where usually the mother-of-pearl tesserae form complex designs of fish scales or, similar to the dishes also made using the same technique, with the thin brass sheets and pins, stylized lotus flowers. The truncated pyramidal shape corresponds, like their contemporary tortoiseshell counterparts also made in Gujarat, to a piece of furniture used in the Indian subcontinent within the Islamic world prior to the arrival of the first Portuguese. This shape, in fact, is very old and peculiar to East-Asian caskets, chests or boxes used to contain and protect Buddhist texts, the sutras. A similar chest is the famous and large reliquary chest from Lisbon cathedral that once contained the relics of the city's patron saint, Saint Vincent. Both match in shape, having the same kind of socle or pedestal and bracket feet, and in their engraved silver mountings, featuring the same type of refined, erudite decoration. Their differences lie in the silver borders that frame the entire length of the edges of the chest (both the box and the lid), pinned with silver nails, and on the lock plate, shaped like a coat of arms in the Lisbon example. Given the exceptional dimensions of the reliquary casket...

An authentic, ancient and exceptional Three Jina Shrine. For it’s age the altarpiece is in a very good condition and rather large. The image of three standing, nude Jinas flanked by the other 21 seated Jinas is rare. The lintel of the shrine is showing the nine comets and three seated figures...

Discover the beauty of this antique Indian wooden temple fragment, a remarkable 16th-17th century artifact showcasing traditional craftsmanship. Carved from solid wood, this exquisit...

Material: wood 48,8 cm high 29,8 cm wide and 19,3 cm deep Weight: 5.159 kgs With traces of 24 krt. gilding Bhumisparsha mudra Originating from Burma 16th century - Pinya styl...

Rare Buddhist alter shrine, made in pine wood. Rich on carved figural sceneries. Original polychrome lacquer, beautiful and untouched condition. From Shanxi Province in China.

Material: bronze 32,3 cm high 18,5 cm wide and 10,5 cm deep Weight: 2.833 kgs Bhumisparsha mudra Originating from Thailand 16th century With confirmed TL-test, see pictures A special Buddha...

Material: bronze Measures: 45,4 cm high 27,3 cm wide and 16,8 cm deep Weight: 8.320 kgs With traces of 24 krt. gilding Bhumisparsha mudra Originating from Thailand 15-16th century Inscriptions translated by the 'Lanna Folk life Museum, Chiang Mai' : Dated 400-500 years old, ""Late Mang-Rayi Third Period"" Inscriptions translated : Maha Ubataeka Tura Sattha - had this Buddha image...

Material: bronze 60 cm high 34,5 cm wide and 22,3 cm deep Weight: 12.4 kgs Bhumisparsha mudra Originating from Laos 16th century With inlaid eyes of mother-of-pearl Long nec...

Material: bronze 24 cm high 15,5 cm wide and 12 cm deep Weight: 1.911 kgs Ava style Bhumisparsha mudra Originating from Burma 15-16th century In very good condition - no cra...

Rare stupa sculpture, 400-600 years old, carved in sandstone. In original untouched, well-preserved condition. From Arakan in Burma. Typical stupa construction with square base, hemispherical dome and conical spire. At the base a portal door...

A petite Chinese Ming Dynasty glazed table from the 15th or 16th century with polychrome finish. This petite Chinese Ming Dynasty glazed table from the 15th or 16th century captivates with its polychrome finish and refined proportions. Crafted during the celebrated Ming period, the table features a rectangular top that gracefully rests above an elegantly carved base. The arching apron below is adorned with delicate curves, further enhanced by a delightful palette of green, black, and yellow tones, showcasing the artistic spirit of the era. The polychrome glaze, subtly weathered by time, adds character and a sense of history, making this table a charming addition to any interior. Whether displayed as a standalone piece or paired with other decorative elements, this antique Ming Dynasty table...

A pair of antique Japanese Abumis, stirrup for horse-riding, in cast iron with elaborate silver inlay, circa 16th century Muramachi to Momoyama period. The prototype of Japanese abum...

This antique bronze Buddha statue is a truly unique and special collectible piece. Standing at 51 cm high, 34 cm wide, and 21 cm deep, it is made of bronze and it weighs 11.18 kgs. T...

Material: wood 57 cm high 31 cm wide Weight: 5.6 kgs Bhumisparsha mudra Originating from Burma 16th Century Traces of gold can be found.  

Material : marble 76 cm high 42 cm wide and 28 cm deep With traces of the original lacquer and 24 krt. gilding Ava style Bhumisparsha mudra 16-17th century Very high quality, special...

Material: bronze 34,8 cm high 19 cm wide and 14,2 cm deep Weight: 4.492 kgs With traces of 24 krt. gold Mon style Dhyana mudra Originating from Burma 15-16th century Specia...

Material: bronze 48,5 cm high 22 cm wide and 15,5 cm deep Weight: 5.632 kgs With light traces of 24 krt. gilding Ava style Varada mudra Originating from Burma 16th Century ...

This antique bronze Buddha statue is a truly unique and special collectible piece. Standing at 36 cm high, 18 cm wide and 12 cm deep, it is made of bronze and it weighs 2.484 kgs. Th...

Material: wood 73 cm high 40,5 cm wide - 19 cm deep Weight: 10.05 kgs With remains of the original 24 krt. gildings Ava style Bhumisparsha mudra Originating from Burma 16th ...