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South Asian Decorative Objects

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Place of Origin: South Asian
Vintage Asian Bronze Singing Hammered Footed Bowl 1950s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Asian Hammered Footed Bronze Singing Bowl with inscriptions 1950s. Asian Bronze Vessel Singing Footed Bowl. Featuring hammered design of a ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Decorative Trio of Geometric Brass Objects
Located in San Francisco, CA
Trio of decorative brass table top objects. Comprising three different solid brass tiered towers, interesting and well made.
Category

1980s Hollywood Regency Vintage South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Amethyst Stalactite with Botryoidal Fluorite and Calcite (The High Heel)
Located in New York, NY
Puna, India This amethyst stalactite is uniquely shaped like a fashionable high heel and is accented by two botryoidal fluorite spheres that are perfectly placed to resemble a styli...
Category

2010s South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Amethyst, Crystal

Scolecite on Stilbite // 10 Lb.
Located in New York, NY
This true museum quality specimen from Pune, India features multiple impressive, fully intact, prismatic sprays of scolecite - many near 360 degrees - on waxy, pale stilbite with hin...
Category

2010s South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal

A 19th Century Indian Bronze Elephant Toy
Located in London, GB
India, circa 1880 A nineteenth century solid bronze Indian elephant mounted by a Mahout carrying one passenger in a traditional howdah carriage, incised with decoration throughout a...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Duke Box
Located in Paris, FR
Box Duke with all structure in solid brass and stainless steel in old silver plated finish. Box with lid.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Duke Box
Duke Box
$935 / item
Pair of Anglo Indian Carved Wood Birds on Stands
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Amusing pair of antique anglo Indian birds with a folky charm that have been carved from indigenous hardwood and painted a long ago, now with a rustic patina. Presented on custom sta...
Category

19th Century Anglo-Indian Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

Three Vintage Indian Nested Silver over Brass Vessels with Repoussé Floral Décor
Located in Yonkers, NY
Set of three vintage Indian nested vessels made of silver over brass with abundant repoussé floral décor. Step into a world of traditional Indian craftsmanship with this set of three...
Category

Mid-20th Century South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Vintage Anglo-Indian Brass Cow Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage Anglo-Indian brass cow sculpture. Beautiful detail and patina to the brass. Great conversation piece!
Category

1950s Anglo-Indian Vintage South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Beryl Var Aquamarine Mineral Crystal from Pakistan
Located in New York, NY
From Shigar valley, Shigar district, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Lustrous translucent to transparent glassy blue-green beryl crystals with clean, flat t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Quartz

Indian Antique Wooden Hand Noodle Maker with Carved Elephant and Vice Press
Located in Yonkers, NY
An Indian antique carved wooden hand noodle press from the 19th century, with elephant motif. Created in India during the 19th century, this wooden piece was originally used to hand make noodles. Showcasing a vice press, the body is adorned with a carved elephant whose head and behind expand from a central square. This container is where the dough was placed and the vice part would press it into noodles. The elephant head is carved with subtle motifs, such as a jewel on the forehead. The trunk is tucked in. The sides are adorned with medallions adorned with foliage or a rosette. Boasting a nicely weathered appearance revealing its nice age and use, this antique Indian carved wooden...
Category

19th Century Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Hand-Carved Banded Onyx Flowerpot
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully hand-carved flowerpot is hewn out of one solid piece of high quality banded onyx from Pakistan. With rich brown, verdant green, and tan bands and swirls, this AAA dé...
Category

2010s South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx

Old Wooden Camel On Wheels Box Trinket Toys
Located in Poperinge, BE
Beautiful old camel on wheels, trinket or spice box, vintage toy from the second half of the 20th century, made of solid red-colored wood, probably from India. The object has a beau...
Category

1960s Vintage South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Indian HES Wall Clock in Heavy Metal Case
Located in Praha, CZ
- Clock are in lovely working conditon - Somewhere missing color - Clock is including key.
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Pair of Large Heavy South India Indian Carved Hardwood Elephants with Bone Inlay
Located in Studio City, CA
Intricately crafted by a master carver. Heavy and ornate. These two would liven any setting. Quite unique and eye-catching. Dimension: 12" high, 14" wide, 7" deep.
Category

Mid-20th Century South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Hardwood

John Richard Vintage Beige Tessellated Shell Bone Decorative Wood Jewelry Box
By Maitland Smith, John Richard
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage handmade and hand painted John Richard beige, gold leaf and Brass tessellated Shell Bone decorative jewelry box. Features a lined with black Ultrasuede Fruit Wood Box to stor...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Ultrasuede, Wood, Shell

Antique Mythical Tiger Finial Bronze Palanquin Handle 18-19th Century
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique 18th 19th Century Palanquin Mythical Lion or Tiger Finial Bronze Handle. Large heavy Indian Mythological bronze palanquin fitting cast via the lost wax technique, beautifully stylized and crafted in the form of protective mythological creature. Palanquin finials were used to adorn the pole ends of the palanquin or palki. A fine and massive example of a palanquin pole finial with good detail and fine patina. India, circa: 18th/19thc. The Palanquin handle...
Category

19th Century Folk Art Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Indian carved hardwood elephant with bone tusks and toe nails
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A large Indian caparisend hardwood elephant with bone tusks and toe nails, intricately carved throughout.
Category

19th Century Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Hardwood

Cayman Bronzed4300 Sculpture
Located in Paris, FR
Sculpture Cayman Bronzed all in solid brass with highlight bronzed finish.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

The Trio Of Green Cap Tourmaline Crystals With Pink Apatite From Pakistan
By Deloris "Dee" Giltz 1
Located in Peshawar, PK
Product Information: Specimen: Tourmaline on Apatite Weight: 5 grams Dimensions: H: 2 x W: 1.5 x D: 1.5 cm Origin: Staknala Gali, Haramosh Mountains, Skardu District, Gilgit Bal...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Multi-gemstone, Rock Crystal, Tourmaline, Other

Anglo Indian Faux Tortoise Trinket Box
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Inspired vintage Anglo Indian hinged box crafted in mahogany and clad in a faux tortoise laminate.
Category

Mid-20th Century Anglo-Indian South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Mahogany

Antique South Asian Mughal Round Tinned Copper Box with Lid India 19th Century
By Rajhastani
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Beautiful handcrafted decorative round tinned copper Mughal Indian box with lid, latch and handle. Antique South Asian Mughal Round Tinned Copper Box with L...
Category

Early 20th Century Agra South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Copper

Asian Bronze Hammered Singing Bowl Nepal 1950s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Asian Hammered Bronze Singing Bowl 1950s. Asian Bronze Vessel Singing Bowl. A special collectible piece. Made from bronze, a good heavy wei...
Category

Mid-20th Century Minimalist South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Large Amethyst Crystal Cluster with Purple Fluorite
Located in New York, NY
Museum quality, rare undulating formation of a gemmy transparent amethyst cluster with a cluster of spherical purple fluorite. These amethyst crystals ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Amethyst, Crystal, Other

Set of Ten Small Loose and Assorted Stone Shiva Linga from the Narmada River
Located in Yonkers, NY
A set of ten smooth, weighty Shiva Linga river stones, each with naturally banded surfaces in earth tones of brown, taupe, russet, and olive. With their di...
Category

Late 20th Century South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Persian Style Brass Cobra Snake Candlestick - 20th
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Persian Style Brass Cobra Snake Candlestick - 20th polychrome sculpture - candlestick - India Middle Eastern Persian-style brass candlestick in the form of a cobra snake with incised...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass

Nepalese Silver Ritual Ewer with Gilded Repoussé Panels, Late 19th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
Antique Nepalese Silver Ritual Ewer with Gilded Repoussé Panels Circa late 19th – Late 19th century Kathmandu Valley, Nepal Dimensions: Height: 12 in. (30.5 cm) x Width: 10 in. (25....
Category

Late 19th Century Folk Art Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Collection of 19th Century Kashmiri Papier Mache Boxes
Located in London, GB
Collection of 19th century Kashmiri items A highly decorative collection of 19th Century hand crafted Kashmiri objects including 6 different shaped boxes, a working lamp and urn....
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Paper

Vintage Indian Hand-Hammered Multi-Sided Tin Storage Canister from the 1930s
Located in Yonkers, NY
A 1930s multi-sided storage canister hand-hammered with tin in India. This canister displays a six sides shape with a narrow bottom and a large belly...
Category

Early 20th Century South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Tin

Art Deco Silver Inlaid Black Quarter Circle Candleholder
By Leah Singh
Located in Westfield, NJ
Our Art Deco-inspired candleholders are ethically handcrafted by artisans in Southern India using a technique that is native to the region. The artisans use a metal alloy that is bla...
Category

2010s Art Deco South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Silver

Antique 19th c. Decorative Anglo-Indian Overlay Footed Box with Engraved Bone
By Rajhastani
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Nice and unusual Jewelry decorative box with filigree bone overlaid decoration. Large Anglo-Indian footed domed box with exceptional engraved bone de...
Category

Late 19th Century Anglo Raj Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Pink Kunzite on Quartz and Calcite Matrix
Located in London, GB
An exceptional specimen featuring a vivid pink Kunzite crystal partially covered by delicate white quartz, with fine calcite and mica accents adding texture and contrast. The Kunzite...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal

14 Grams Green Robust Cluster Of Emerald Crystals On Calcite From Pakistan
By Deloris "Dee" Giltz 1
Located in Peshawar, PK
Product Information: Specimen Type: Emerald Crystal Weight: 14 grams Dimension: H: 3 x W: 2.9 x D: 1.6 cm Origin: Swat Valley, KPK Province, Pakistan Treatment: None Descripti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Adam Style South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Rock Crystal, Other

Anglo Raj Hand Carved Wooden Decorative Jewelry Box
By Rajhastani
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hand carved large wooden Anglo-Raj jewelry box. Early 20th century wood box richly decorated overall with arabesques and floral carving. Hinged lid shallow relief carving with inte...
Category

Early 20th Century Anglo Raj South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Sandalwood

Objectry Ball Pack Vase – Set of 3 Hand‑Blown Glass Vases on Wooden Bases
By Objectry
Located in New Delhi, IN
Part of our signature Ball Collection, the Ball Pack Vase set is a celebration of modern design, timeless form, and artisanal craftsmanship. Hand-blown from glass, each vase showcase...
Category

2010s Other South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Wood

Stilbite and Calcite on Chalcedony Quartz
Located in London, GB
A delicate and elegant specimen from India, featuring soft pink stilbite and creamy calcite crystals of different sizes, all resting on a base of chalcedony quartz. The arrangement ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Rock Crystal, Quartz

Apophyllite and Stilbite on Quartz
Located in London, GB
This charming specimen features lustrous apophyllite crystals beautifully set on a bed of dark grey quartz, accented by delicate pink stilbite clusters of varying sizes. The interpla...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal

Anglo-Indian Inlaid Elephant Motif Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Anglo-Indian inlaid box with elephant motif (circa 1920s). Dimensions: 14"H x 19.5"W x 13"D.
Category

1920s Vintage South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Ethnic Indian Decorative Jewelry Box with Brass, Kerala Nettur Petti
By Rajhastani
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large Teak Jewelry Dowry Box with Brass, Late 19th Century, India. This Teak Indian Dowry Box is adorned with Decorative Brass, showcasing exquisite c...
Category

1890s Agra Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Spessartine Garnet on Albite from Shengus area, near Skardu, Pakistan
Located in New York, NY
From Shengus area, near Skardu, Pakistan This museum-quality specimen is from a new find. Showing incredible translucent lustrous deep red spessartine garnet clusterS on microline a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Mid Century Anglo-Indian Leather Tiger Footstool C.1950
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, GB
Mid Century Anglo-Indian Leather Tiger Footstool C.1950 Liberty London A superb example, of wonderful proportion. In excellent condition commensurate o...
Category

Mid-20th Century South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Antique Indian Hand-Carved Sheesham Religious Temple Plaque, Early 20th Century
Located in Yonkers, NY
An early 20th century religious temple plaque hand-carved of Sheesham wood in India. This small rectangular plaque displays two sections with several characters. The bottom section s...
Category

Early 20th Century South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

15 Grams Vivid Green Emerald Crystals On White Matrix From Pakistan
By Deloris "Dee" Giltz 1
Located in Peshawar, PK
Product Information: Specimen Type: Emerald Crystals on Matrix Weight: 15 grams Dimension: H: 3.8 x W: 3 x D: 1.5 cm Origin: Pakistan Treatment: None Description: This exquis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Adam Style South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Multi-gemstone, Rock Crystal, Other

Large Vintage Nepalese Gilt Bronze Vajrasattva Buddha, Mid 20th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A large and impressive vintage gilt bronze figure of the tantric Buddha Vajrasattva, the Diamond Thunderbolt, mid 20th century, Nepal. Crafted of cast and richly gilt bronze, Vajrasattva sits in vajrasana, or full lotus position, his torso slightly bent at the waist. He holds an upright vajra scepter in one hand, raised at heart level. His other hand, resting on his hip, would originally have held a a ghanta, or bell, which is now missing. He is festooned in jewelry, including a five pointed crown, earrings, necklaces and armlets, all studded with coral and turquoise beads. His long hair falling in elegant tresses around his shoulders, the rest tied up in a high chignon topped by a vajra. Vajrasattva wears a dhoti covering his lower half. The dhoti intricately cast and carved with a scrolling vegetal design, and featuring images from the Ashtamangala, or Eight Auspicious Emblems, including the conch, endless knot, and double fish. Scarves billow out around his arms. The tantric Buddha sits upon a tall double lotus throne, the back with more intricately cast decorations of dragons and lotus blossoms against dense vegetal scrolls. The base sealed with a dented copper plate inscribed with a visvajra, or double vajra...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tibetan South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Coral, Bronze

Anglo Indian Trinket Box
Located in Tampa, FL
Anglo Indian trinket box, nice size inlaid in brass made of rosewood. The interior is two and half inches deep. India, circa 1890s.
Category

1890s Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Suzani Hand-Painted Iron Vase
By Les Ottomans
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Elevate your decor with this stunning Suzani hand-painted vase, crafted on iron with intricate detailing. Inspired by traditional Suzani patterns, this vase is more than just a decor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Colorful Semi Precious Stone Rectangular Jewelry or Trinket Box with Lid
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful colorful decorative box with a lid created from Carrara marble and inlaid with a variety of semi-precious stones. The sides are inlaid with a variety of stones in abstrac...
Category

20th Century Bauhaus South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

58 Grams Vibrant Green Emerald Crystals On Calcite Matrix From Pakistan
By Deloris "Dee" Giltz 1
Located in Peshawar, PK
Product Information: Specimen Type: Emerald Crystals on Calcite Weight: 58 grams Dimension: H: 3.3 x W: 5.7 x D: 3.3 cm Origin: Chitral Valley, KPK Province, Pakistan Treatment...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Adam Style South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Multi-gemstone, Rock Crystal, Other

Indian 19th Century Box with Metal Sheathing and Bracketed Wooden Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
An Indian antique box from the 19th century with metal sheathing and bracketed base. Created in India during the 19th century, this antique box features a linear silhouette made of m...
Category

19th Century Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Fatty Aggregate Of Aquamarine Crystals With Muscovite From Pakistan
By Deloris "Dee" Giltz 1
Located in Peshawar, PK
Product Information: Specimen Name: Aquamarine with Muscovite Weight: 514 grams Dimension: H: 7.5 x W: 6.8 x D: 7.5 cm Treatment: None Origi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Adam Style South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Rock Crystal, Other

Green Apophyllite and Stilbite from Jalgaon, Aurangabad District, India
Located in New York, NY
From Jalgaon, Aurangabad District, Maharastra, India Very aesthetic, Lustrous transparent bi-colored apophyllite crystals with translucent pink stilbite crystals. The apophyllite cr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Mystic Elegance: Siberian Charoite Keepsake Box
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Charoite Box (3.5" x 4.25") is crafted from a rare and mesmerizing purple-hued mineral found exclusively in Siberia, Russia. The swirling patterns of deep violet, lave...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Antique Wooden Pot or Tekhi from Nepal, 1900s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Wooden Pot or Tekhi, from Nepal, 13" Tall, circa 1900s Early 20th century wood pot from Nepal, this particular style of wooden container, pot has a r...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

Vintage White Elephant Figurine Pen Holder, Jaipur, Rajasthan India
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage White Elephant Figurine Pen Holder, Jaipur, Rajasthan India. White Elephant Figurine with Wooden Base. Elegant cast composite vintage sculpture Figurine that show a white elephant with his trunk up presented on a wooden stand and next to it a brass pen. The representation of elephant in Asia represent wisdom, longevity and white is for peace. White elephant on stand...
Category

Late 20th Century Art Deco South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Resin

19th Century Hand-Carved Stone Sphinx Sculpture with Tiara and Earrings
Located in Yonkers, NY
A 19th century Indian sphinx hand-carved stone sculpture, probably intended to adorn and protect a temple. The Indian stone sculpture features a...
Category

19th Century Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Pair of Anglo Indian Hurricane Candlesticks on Wood Bases
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty pair of British colonial candlesticks featuring hand blown hurricane shades with etched floral designs on bases having bone cuffs and carved and ebonized hardwood in classic form.
Category

Mid-20th Century Anglo-Indian South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

1960s Mughal Style Indian Brass Cigarette Holder / Trinket Box
Located in New York, NY
Indian brass lidded cigarette holder / trinket box, with hand engraved Mughal floral designs all around. Completely hand wrought piece with exquisite detail. Hand crafted in India, c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Anglo-Indian South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

103.70 Carats Natural Loose Garden Quartz From Africa
By Deloris "Dee" Giltz 1
Located in Peshawar, PK
Product information: Specimen type: Loose Garden Quartz Weight: 103.70 Carats Dimension: 4 x 2.8 x 1.5 cm Origin: Africa Treatment: None
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Adam Style South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Other

19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Sadeli Mosaic Sarcophagus Sewing Box
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A GORGEOUS 19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Sadeli Mosaic Sarcophagus Sewing Box. Made in Bombay, India circa 1860-80. Box made of sandalwood with highly carved teak wood reliefs and panels on all sides. Edged with bone and ebony veneers and glorious sadeli mosaic, made from tiny pieces of faux ivory, pewter, green semi-precious stone. The box is in a sarcophagus form with domed lid. The original brass carry handles are on the sides. The interior is in great condition and consists of a removeable mirror under the lid portion, with the original red velvet lining behind it. The base is removeable and contains a number of lidded compartments. 6 of the interior lids on the base, are each inlaid with sadeli mosaic banding. The rest are also carved and chased. The interior is fully complete with 7 lidded faux ivory/bone, thread canisters with sadeli domes and the original bone thimble. The box sits on 4 brass ball or bun feet with the original velvet lining on the base. Some minor repairs and losses, but this box is fully complete. This is ‘rare’ as many of these boxes have not survived in such condition! Included in the sale are 2 photos that were in the box (under the base tray). Interestingly, one of them is a view of downtown Nassau, New Providence (Bermuda) from the early 20C and stamped on the rear. What a ‘journey’ this piece has made! Made in India … travelled to Bermuda, probably via Britain … back to Ireland (where we bought it) …. then to Texas! These boxes were made by superb Indian craftsmen, specifically for sale to the ruling British elite. These types of boxes, carved padouk and sandalwood, (whilst beautiful and superbly crafted) were of a lesser quality, than the more profusely and intricately mosaic inlay, tortoiseshell and ivory boxes, made for the British ‘Upper Classes’ in the areas of Bombay and Vizagapatam. These type of boxes were much more affordable back in 1880 (and indeed today) and would probably have been bought by mid-level diplomats, civil servants or visitors. Sewing boxes (in general), were in EVERY Victorian home in Britain in the 19th Century and like other boxes etc were ‘status symbols’ of your place in society! The more ornate the box, the more ‘Upper Class’ you were! Of it’s type, this one, is one of the very higher quality one’s, than the norm! SADELI MOSAIC: “Anglo Indian boxes were made in India for the English residents from the early part of the 18th century. They were brought back or sent back to England usually by the people who had commissioned them. From the beginning of the nineteenth century they were imported more commercially, although not in any significant numbers until the middle decades. They were very highly valued, especially the early ones, to the extent that the designs were copied on late 19th and early 20th century tins. The ancient art of Sadeli Mosaic is said to have been introduced from Shiraz in Persia via Sind to Bombay, a long time before the Anglo Indian boxes were made. It was a technique, which required a high degree of skill and patience. It was executed very lavishly, in that the frequent cuts wasted a great amount of the precious materials used. The workmanship was however more than commensurable to the value of the materials. Ivory, silver, pewter (or other metals), wood and horn were cut into faceted rods which were bound together to form geometric patterns. When the glue has set, the rods were sliced in transverse sections. This gave the maker a number of angled circular pieces in the original pattern. Several variations of patterns could be achieved by combining the materials in different ways. The ivory was sometimes dyed green to give an extra color. The mosaic pieces in a combination of patterns, often separated by ivory, ebony, horn or silver stringing were used to veneer sandalwood boxes. In the early boxes, which date from the turn of the 18th to the 19th century, there are large panels of mosaic covering tops and sides of boxes. It took incredible skill to cover such large areas without any shakes or wavering of the pattern. The corners and joins on these boxes are impeccably matched. The makers (reputed to be Persian) of Sadeli mosaic made in the first two decades of the 19th century displayed a total understanding of the qualities of the different materials they used. They combined substances, which can expand and contract according to atmospheric conditions with others, which are hard and unyielding. The result was a sharp definition of the lines and patterns, which made up the whole design. On the early boxes the designs look deceptively simple. The fact is, they emerged from a culture, which had mastered geometry and understood how to generate a pattern from a set number of points. The patterns are so harmoniously combined that their incredible complexity is not immediately apparent. The earliest Sadeli boxes...
Category

19th Century Anglo-Indian Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Sandalwood, Teak

Large Bronze Stupa Sri Lanka, 18th/19th century
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A etched bronze stupa, Sri Lanka, 18th/19th century. The bell-shaped "garbhaya" raised on a stepped base and surmounted by a square "harmika" supporting a conical spire "koth kerall...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique South Asian Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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