South Asian Folk Art

Fine Indian Vintage silver Turquoise Cuff bracelet ethnographic tribal jewellery A vintage silver Cuff bracelet with multiple Turquoise cabochons High grade silver

Splendid intricately hand carved large heavyweight wooden square printing block from Asia Traditionally used for hand held block printing ink or dye to textiles and paper Fully fun...

Vintage Rajasthani Patchwork Tapestry, handcrafted, of several small irregular embroidered “patches” heavily embroidered with gold and silver paper-wrapped threads couched down in a multitude of colors, some with reflective mirror...

A wonderful, highly erotic, rather fascinating, and somewhat unique large pair of Indian (India) Kama Sutra bronze sculptural figures (The Kama Sutra is an ancient Indian Sanskrit text on sexuality, eroticism, and emotional fulfillment in life.) Nicely detailed with a gorgeous patina that is only acquired over time. From an estate of a world traveler art and artifacts collector. The sculpture is relatively heavy. Would be a great addition to any Indian/ South East Asian art...

Vintage Raj Hand-Crafted Stuffed Cotton Embroidered Elephant, India, 1950. Anglo Raj vintage hand-crafted stuffed cotton embroidered elephant, India, 1950. Handmade in Rajasthan, India, colorful fabric elephant toy. Vintage small elephant stuffed cotton embroidered and decorated with small mirrors, great collector piece. Anglo Raj, small stuffed elephant...

Antique Indian Zardozi Embroidered Textile Panels (Framed Pair) A fine pair of antique Indian textile panels, intricately worked in silver-thread zardozi embroidery and highlighted ...

Wooden pad with trefoil patterns used to decorate fabrics. India, early 20th century.

A 10-strand necklace hand-crafted from red-orange Naga beads from the early 20th century and strung with natural fibers. Necklaces such as these were a stat...

Antique late 19th Century Indian Kalighat natural pigment watercolor painting of Krishna milking a cow under a Pipal tree. The cow is smiling at Krishna, with divine love. The cosmic dance of life represented in a symbolic message within the painting. Framed in gold painted carved wood frame under glass. Origins of Kalighat painting According to legend, Lord Shiva, the god of dance and destruction, was deep in meditation on Mount Kailash when he received news of the death of his consort, Sati, an avatar (or human manifestation) of the goddess Kali. He wandered for days with her body draped across his shoulders and his inconsolable grief threatened to ruin the earth. Lord Vishnu, the Preserver, was called upon to intervene. To relieve Shiva's burden, he shattered Sati's body into 51 pieces. The little toe of Sati's right foot was said to have fallen at the site of the Hooghly River...

Oval dance mask from Nepal with powerful expression, open eyes and oval mouth with finely carved teeth, nicely carved ears. Heavy black encrusted patina inside and out from tradition...

WEST NEPAL  TRIBAL Mask A OLD MASK WITH  ENIGMATIC PIERCING GAZE, SUPERB AGED PATINA, PERIOD   early 20th CENTURY, HEIGHT 32 CM

Special hand-made brass fingers. I saw them on the hands of an Indian dancer. Use your imagination... no ref.

Hand-carved wooden Indian tribal storage chest box with hand-wrought iron hinges and straps, and handle. Early 20th century, Northern India.

A South Indian (Kerala) wooden boat prow from the mid-20th century. This hand carved boat prow from Kerala is adorn with pierced spiral-carved volute, suppor...

Vintage Raj embroidered large camel toy, India, 1950. Handmade in Rajasthan, India, colorful fabric camel toy. Vintage oversized camel stuffed cotton embroidered and decorated with...

This vintage Indian Dhurrie rug captivates with its playful geometry and refreshing palette. Handwoven in the mid-20th century, the piece features vertical stripes in alternating den...

Oval very dark wood dance mask from Nepal with powerful expression, open eyes and oval mouth with finely carved teeth. Heavy projecting cheek bones. This mask represents the Tibetan...

Antique Nepalese Butter Churn Handle. Known as a Ghurra, individually carved from a single piece of wood having different geometric forms, a circle, a rec...

An old carved wood handle from Nepal, North India or other Himalayan culture. A butter churn handle called a ghurra. Created in the early 20th century. The handle with finely carved...

Late 19th-early 20th century tribal guardian figure, Northwest Nepal The mere essence of a protector figure remains in this weathered fragmen...

This modern Tiger wool rug showcases a subtle yet striking interpretation of the classic tiger-stripe motif. Hand-knotted in soft, dense wool, the design features undulating dark esp...

Traditional torque or Hansuli silvered necklace choker from Lambadi or Banjara and Sugali People, Andhra Pradesh, India.t India, circa 1940. Fabulous vi...

A monumental Hindu Nandi temple gate-guardian architectural ornament, born in India, dating to the 19th century, hand carved and painted, richly detailed, polychrome decorated, the wooden sculpture depicting Nandi, a sacred bull, gatekeeper, and vahana religious deity figure. Provenance: Acquired from The Neiman Marcus Corporate Art Collection. Details below. Dimensions: (approx) 49.5" x 43" x 12" An important religious folk art work, the Nandi is of carved wood and gessoed cloth, then hand-painted. In Hindu religion, Nandi is the mythical mount of Shiva. The four legs represent truth, righteousness, peace and love. More than a means of conveyance, Nandi is considered Shiva's constant companion on all his travels, so much so that in any temple dedicated to Shiva, there is a sculpture of Nandi. This symbol is a deity in its own right, and in India there are temples dedicated exclusively to Nandi. In Hindu symbolism, the bull represents both strength and ignorance. The white or light color of the bull symbolizes purity and justice. Symbolically, the seated Nandi towards sanctum in Shiva temples, represents an individual jiva (soul) and the message that the jiva should always be focused on the Parameshwara. From the yogic perspective, Nandi is the mind dedicated to Shiva, the absolute. In other words, to understand and absorb light, the experience, and the wisdom is Nandi, which is the guru within. The fact that Shiva uses it as a mount symbolizes how this divine figure removes ignorance while instilling strength and wisdom. A superb example, the life size work is in great overall shape, and presents wonderfully, having beautifully aged patina over the whole, highly desirable original, worn, rustic, naturally distressed, chippy paint, craquelure finish, that's delicate, and enhances the artistic antique character and rich historic depth. Detailed Condition Report: Fragile / delicate by design. Loss to one ear, age related checking and separation to carvings, fabric to hind quarters is released and tattered with minor loss, rubbing to paint throughout with wear indicative of age and use; later grey painted mounting blocks are attached to back and hooves. White glove in-home shipping/delivery available. Pickup available near Dallas, Texas Additional Provenance: Property from the Neiman Marcus Collection. Acquired from Heritage Auction, Design District Gallery, Dallas, Texas. From The Dallas Morning Newspaper; April 12th, 2021 Neiman Marcus is selling some of its history and valuables that have been displayed and stored for decades as part of the luxury retailer’s corporate art collection. The Neiman Marcus corporate art collection dates back to 1951, when Stanley Marcus (1905-2002), a life long avid art collector, purchased Mariposa, a large mobile by Alexander Calder and started a long tradition of buying original artwork for new stores as they opened. The Mariposa sold at a Sotheby’s auction last month fetching $18.2 million. The items are being offered through Sotheby's auction house, NYC, New York and Heritage Auction, Dallas, Texas. Many of the pieces were personally collected by Stanley Marcus from the 1960s through the 1980s. Some of the pieces are from corporate spaces, stores and the company’s archives, among the items are important antique textiles, tribal robes...

Amazing vintage Moorish Middle Eastern gold and red leather embroidered shoes. Ceremonial Royal leather wedding slippers, embroidered with gold thread. Aladdin, Ali Baba Arabic geni...

A fine set of assorted ancient jewelry. Likely Gandharan in origin. In verdigris covered bronze. Comprising 1 beaded necklace, 3 bracelets, 1 signet ring, 2 band rings,, 2 pendants, 4 rams head buckles...

Eden Hashish Centre Ganesh poster by acclaimed Indian artist S. Murugakani. with original 1974 calendar attached. Framed in custom brass framed glass frame and tin back, with hange...

Large Bald Eagle clutching USA Flag and crest wall decor. This large patriotic eagle wall plaque is a beautiful piece made with hand crafted polished aluminum very good quality and w...

Antique Anglo-Indian Rajasthani Painted Mughal Scene Folding Decorative Chair C.1920 A wonderful decorators piece. Structurally sound, missing back support hooks, therefore recommen...

A truly gorgeous and engaging South Indian Asian (India) Pichwai Painting featuring Lord Krishna (sometimes incarnated as Lord Shreenath) - the Hindu God of protection, compassion, t...

This exceptional 1920s Indian Agra rug reflects the artistry and grandeur of carpets woven during the height of the Mughal revival period. Woven entirely by hand, it displays the ref...

This striking modern rug reimagines the traditional Tibetan tiger motif with a bold, contemporary sensibility. Hand-knotted in a luxurious blend of wool and silk, the design is split...

This unusual wooden vessel is an early 20th century milk pot from the Himalayan regions of northern India or Nepal. Textured by an antique patina, the rustic pot is carved from a sin...

A striking example of minimalist elegance, this vintage Indian Dhurrie rug features a rhythmic vertical stripe pattern in soft indigo blue and warm beige. The alternating wide and na...

Man’s Ceremonial Headdress Naga people, Northeast India Probably 19th century Cane, yellow orchard fiber, dyed goat hair plume A handwritten...

Late 19th-early 20th century Tribal mask, West Nepal A mask from West Nepal with a sharp straight nose, squinting eyes and a square mouth showing upper and lower teeth. There are re...

Antique carved and decorated ship's figurehead, circa 1890, depicting a regal bird with a beak. The sculpture is in original paint. Although there has been much paint loss and age cr...

Handmade in Rajasthan, India, colorful fabric camel toy. Vintage small camel stuffed cotton embroidered and decorated with small mirrors, great collector...

Late 19th-early 20th century Tribal mask, West Nepal A large mask from West Nepal with a small grin and bared teeth surrounded with pink powder, faint traces of which can also be se...

This striking vintage Indian Dhurrie rug, dating from the mid-20th century, features a boldly modern yet timeless design composed of alternating indigo blue and ivory stripes. Woven ...

Late 19th-early 20th century Tribal mask, West Nepal A mask from West Nepal with a rather heart shaped facial plane. There are three large iron staples, two of which may have secure...

Anglo Indian hardwood campaign or dowry chest. This has brass straps, handles and large hinges on the interior. The lock has the original key. The chest is in good condition. It show...

Antique Indo-Mahal carpet. This piece was woven in India using a Persian Mahal Design in the 1920's. Beige background color with beautiful allover floral design. Size: 12' x 21'.

Adorable vintage paper mache rhino from India. See images for details

A substantial and beautifully crafted antique walking stick, likely Anglo-Indian and dating to the late 19th or very early 20th century. #5637 This example is notably heavy, solid,...

A rare antique Indian infant cradle, handcrafted circa 1900 and most likely originating from a rural community in western or northwestern India. The carved geometric decoration, dark hardwood construction, arched rocking supports, and woven sleeping platform suggest an association with the vernacular furniture traditions of Rajasthan or Gujarat. The cradle is composed of two tall, curved end frames joined by substantial horizontal wooden rails. Its narrow central bed retains an early woven lattice made from natural fiber, rope, or possibly rawhide. A textile or thin padded covering would originally have been laid over this suspended foundation before an infant was placed inside. The curved lower ends allowed the cradle to be rocked gently from side to side, while the elevated upper rails provided enclosure and protection. Incised geometric patterns decorate the arched wooden standards and lower rails, bringing visual rhythm to an otherwise functional household object. These hand-worked motifs, together with the exposed joinery and straightforward construction, reflect the practical artistry associated with rural Indian furniture. The suspended weave follows the same basic principle found in traditional Indian rope beds, or charpais, adapted here to a compact infant-sized form. Generations of handling and domestic use have given the hardwood a deep brown-black surface with considerable warmth and character. Scratches, softened edges, abrasions, color variations, and irregularities in the carving contribute to its authentic folk-art presence. The natural-fiber bed is distressed, with visible dryness, loosening, breaks, and losses consistent with its age and original use. Measuring approximately 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 12 inches deep, the cradle has a compact yet highly sculptural silhouette. Today, it can be appreciated as an ethnographic collectible, an example of Indian vernacular furniture, or a distinctive decorative object in an eclectic interior. It could also be displayed as a low textile or blanket holder, provided no weight is placed on the surviving antique weave. The precise Indian state and community of origin cannot be confirmed without documented provenance. Rajasthan or Gujarat is offered as a qualified attribution based on comparable cradle forms, geometric carving, and woven construction. Because of its age, distressed fiber lattice, and antique construction, this cradle is offered strictly as a collectible decorative object. It is not represented as compliant with contemporary nursery standards and should not be used for an infant, child, or animal. A compelling survivor of Indian domestic life, combining sculptural form, hand-incised decoration, woven craftsmanship, and a richly aged surface. Creator: Unknown Indian Artisan Attribution: Probably Rajasthan or Gujarat Style: Folk Art — Of the Period Secondary Style: Tribal, Primitive, Vernacular Materials: Hardwood, Natural Fiber, Rope Techniques: Hand-Carved, Incised, Hand-Woven, Hand-Crafted Place of Origin: India Period: Early 20th Century Date of Manufacture: Circa 1900 Condition: Distressed Dimensions: 26 in H × 26 in W × 12 in D Sold As: Single item Category: More Furniture and Collectibles → Children’s Furniture Distressed antique condition with substantial wear consistent with age and original domestic use. The hardwood displays scratches, abrasions, softened edges, surface variations, and a dark, time-worn patina. The woven natural-fiber bed is dry and fragile, with visible loosening, breaks, and losses. Please examine all photographs carefully. Offered strictly as a decorative and collectible object; not suitable for use by an infant, child, or animal. Antique Indian cradle, Indian baby cradle, tribal infant cradle, carved wood cradle, woven rope cradle, Indian folk furniture, Rajasthan folk art, Gujarat furniture, antique children’s furniture...

This vintage Indian Dhurrie rug is a testament to the elegance of simplicity, with its serene palette and understated design. Handwoven in India, the piece measures approximately 8' ...

This modern flat-weave wool rug presents a serene and contemporary composition defined by alternating sky-blue and cornflower blue vertical stripes. Each stripe exhibits a gentle fea...

A charming pair of antique Indian teak "dog gates" with iron bars from the early 20th century that were skillfully repainted at some point with elephant and l...

This exquisite 1920s Indian Cotton Agra rug embodies the refined elegance of early 20th-century Indian weaving traditions, where artistry and subtlety meet in perfect harmony. Handwo...

This striking circa 1955 Indian Dhurrie rug exemplifies the refined simplicity and craftsmanship characteristic of mid-century Indian flat-weave textiles. Handwoven using the traditi...

This modern traditional-inspired wool rug blends timeless artistry with a contemporary sensibility, drawing on classical motifs while offering a soft, nuanced palette that feels fres...

Vintage wooden Indian toy horse on wheels, circa 1970s. The piece has a latch in the front that allows you to rotate the top portion open to a hidden sto...

A fabulous piece of hand-painted Folk Art created in India. This painting depicts a traditional Rajasthani man in traditional dress. He wears a decorative yellow and pink dress and s...

This modern Indian Dhurrie flat-weave rug presents a striking geometric composition in a fresh, maritime palette. Handwoven from wool and cotton, the design layers blocks of navy, co...

This exquisite hand-knotted rug, measuring 8′1″ × 9′8″ (246 × 294 cm), is a modern homage to Eastern European decorative tradition. Crafted in wool and silk, it blends timeless folk ...

This stunning 1920s oversized Indian Agra rug is a remarkable testament to the artistic grandeur and technical mastery of early 20th-century Indian textile craftsmanship. Woven with ...

This modern Viennese design rug is a refined expression of early 20th-century European aesthetics, drawing on the elegance of the Viennese Secession and the evolving language of Art ...

Colorful patchwork textile with 20 intricate squares, handmade from India. Use as wall hanging, bedspread or throw.

Six early 20th century hair detanglers from Kerala and South Karnataka, India. An unusual group of six hair detanglers found exclusively in Southern India. The carved wooden example...

Late 19th to early 20th century tribal wood paduka sandals, India A sculptural pair of Indian paduka (khadau chappals) sandals with a simple scale pattern and nice encrusted patin...