Sri Lankan Folk Art

Antique Double Sailor's Valentine, dated 1903, a pair of handcrafted shell collages mounted in mahogany octagonal shadowboxes, hinged together and mounted with a clasp. This valentine features a heart and the inscription "Barbados, 1903." The valentine is in great condition, but does of course have a few shells that have come loose over the past century and a half. The cases remain in great condition as well, though there is a little looseness to the frame backboards. Victorians in the Age of Exploration and its accompanying Eclectic Movement embraced arts and crafts from around the world. Shell boxes are frequently seen, and even the odd shell diorama...

This stunning handcrafted model represents the H.M.S. Bounty, a historic ship famously launched in 1787. The replica is meticulously crafted from walnut, showcasing incredible attention to detail and the artistry of traditional shipbuilding techniques. The wooden hull is smooth and polished, with planking and fittings that echo the original design of the Bounty, emphasizing authenticity. The rigging is finely executed with taut strings that replicate the intricate web of lines and pulleys used on the actual vessel. The sails are made from aged fabric, adding a realistic touch and evoking the feel of a ship caught in the winds of a historic voyage. The figurehead, carved at the prow, demonstrates the ship’s decorative flair, typical of vessels from the late 18th century. The deck is replete with intricate details, such as capstans, gratings, and cannons, providing insight into the functional elements of the Bounty. A small plaque engraved with “H.M.S Bounty 1787” confirms the ship’s identity, linking this model to its historical roots. The H.M.S. Bounty was famously associated with the Mutiny...

This graphic Songye Kifwebe mask has fine carved lines curved over the eyes and diagonal lines radiating from the nose and mouth in classic Kifwebe form. ...

Early Mounted Half Block Ship Model of a 1936s America's Cup Sloop This half block miniature boat model is dedicated to Joe and has quiet the provenanc...

This flat shadow puppet was crafted on the island of Java by a puppet artist using buffalo hide and mounted on bamboo sticks. It features movable arms, controlled by outer bamboo rods (however this puppet lost one of its bamboo rods over the years due to age) It was used in Wayang puppet...

Scale model of an Italian speedboat 1950s, wooden planking hull, mounted on wood and brass base. Length cm 25 - inches 9.8, width cm 8.8 - inches 3.4, height with base cm 8.5 - inc...

Scrimshaw of an engraved whale tooth, depicting on one side the half-bust of the smartly dressed and handsome Captain F. Swain. On the Back the inscription Master The WHALER SWAN f...

This flat shadow puppet was crafted on the island of Java by a puppet artist using buffalo hide and mounted on bamboo sticks. It features movable arms, controlled by outer bamboo rods (however this puppet lost one of its bamboo rods over the years due to age) It was used in Wayang puppet...

19th century exceptionally large buffalo mold from Burma Materials: wood, metal Measures: H 23 in x L 18.5 in, 58.4 cm x 47 cm. Wooden buffalo mold for making papier mâché toy...

19th Century Sailor's Folk Art Woolie with Triple Decker Ship of the Line and Sloop, ca 1850, depicting a starboard side view of a majestic square-rigged...

A antique hand carved tribal carving from the Batak People, northern Sumatra, called a Singa Singa with traces of green and yellow polychromy and nicely weathered appearance. Attract...

Old weathered cubist squatting tribal carved wood Spring Figure with hands raised in namaste position. Wonderful open form figure with hands in front of chest and great profile. Thes...