South Asian Collectibles and Curiosities

18th-Century Dutch Ceylonese Guardian Lion Sculpture with Inlaid Eyes Sri Lanka (Dutch Ceylon), circa 1700–1790 Hand-carved Nadun wood (Pericopsis mooniana), inlaid eyes Dimensions: ...

Nepalese sterling silver and onyx dragon bracelet. Weight: 90 grams.

Large pair of vintage 1950s string marionettes, these magnificent Rajasthani Kathputli puppets came from the vibrant state of Rajasthan in northwestern India. Meticulously handcrafte...

Wonderful Animorphic table dish or ashtray, solid brass, hand crafted and polished. Signed.

Interesting 19th century carved figure with polychrome decoration. Unique coloration and dance position with arm raised. Considerable losses consistent with age, but flaking seems ...

This is a highly ornate and decorative old Anglo-Indian silver belt buckle with red and black ribbon belts. It dates to the early 20th centu...

Colonial tent pegging photograph, Poona 1903. Rare sepia toned late Victorian Colonial photograph showing a group of horsemen 'Tent Pegging' with the caption 'Poona 1903'. The photo has been embossed...

Anglo-Indian buffalo horn veneer on sandalwood watch hutch of architectural form made to resemble a mantle or bracket clock. The front with a pair of spiral columns centering a starb...

Colonial Tent Pegging Photograph, Poona 1903. Rare sepia toned late Victorian Colonial photograph showing a group of horsemen 'Tent Pegging' with the caption 'Poona 1903'. The photo has been embossed...

Indian 18th century Islamic bronze flag Indian, 18th century Measures: Height 54cm, width 20cm, depth 16cm This bronze flag, or alam, was produced ...

Husain by Maqbul Fida Husain, Richard Bartholomew, Shiv S. Kapur · H. N. Abrams · hardback · 60 pages. A terrific copy of one of the best monographs on this important Indian artist. Illustrated in color and black & white. 60 pages of text and 192 illustrations. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1st Edition 1972. First edition. Oblong hardcover. First printing. Text by Richard Bartholomew and Shiv S. Kapur. Includes 192 illustrations with 53 tipped in color plates. A fine and tight copy in a very near fine dust jacket price clipped dust jacket. Hardcover, bound in brown cloth. In a dust jacket. Title: Maqbool Fida Husain Author: BARTHOLOMEW, Richard and Shiv S. Kapur - Maqbool Fida Husain Book Condition Used PublisherHarry N. Abrams Place Of Publication New YorkDate Published1972 Keywords: Art Monographs. Maqbool Fida Husain Born ; 17 September 1915 Pandharpur, Maharashtra, British India Died : 9 June 2011 (aged 95) London, England, UK Nationality Indian (1915-2010) Qatari (2010–2011) Education Sir J. J. School of Art Known for Painting, drawing, writer, filmmaker Notable work Meenaxi a tale of three cities Through the eyes of a painter Movement Progressive Art Group Awards Padma Shri (1966) Padma Bhushan (1973) Padma Vibhushan (1991) Husain was associated with Indian modernism in the 1940s. His early association with the Progressive Artist's Group, or "PAG of Bombay" used modern technique, and was inspired by the "new" India after The Partition of 1947. His narrative paintings, executed in a modified Cubist style, can be caustic and funny as well as serious and sombre. His themes—sometimes treated in series—include topics as diverse as Mohandas K. Gandhi, Mother Teresa, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the British raj, and motifs of Indian urban and rural life. Early in his painting career, and until his death, he enjoyed depicting the lively and free spirit of horses in many of his works. Often referred to as the "Picasso of India", Husain is the most celebrated and internationally recognized Indian artist of the 20th century. Husain is primarily known for his paintings, but is also known for his drawings and his work as a printmaker, photographer, and filmmaker. Some of his later works stirred controversy, as they depicted traditional Deities of India in non traditional ways. He also directed a few movies. In 1967, he received the National Film Award for Best Experimental Film for Through The Eyes of a Painter.[3] In 2004, he directed Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities, a film he worked on with his artist son Owais Husain, which was screened in the Marché du Film section of the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. Husain was born on 17 september 1915 in Pandharpur to a Sulaymani Bohra family who trace their roots back to Gujarat within the last 200 years, and then originally to Yemen. He picked up taste in art through studying calligraphy while he stayed at a Madraasa in Baroda. Husain attended the Sir Jamsetjee Jeejebhoy School of Art in Mumbai. Early in his career Husain painted cinema posters in Mumbai. To earn extra money, he worked for a toy company designing and building toys. He often travelled to Gujarat to paint landscapes when he could afford to. This was a clique of young artists who wished to break with the nationalist traditions established by the Bengal school of art and to encourage an Indian avant-garde, engaged at an international level. The artists cite "The Partition" of India and Pakistan 14 August 1947, with its resulting religious rioting and heavy loss of life as their reason for forming The Progressive Artist's Group in Bombay in December 1947. The artists saw the Partition as a "turning point" for India, and their new style of art was urged on by, and was also a turning point for, (modern) Indian Art. Husain's first solo exhibit was in 1952 in Zurich. His first U.S.A. exhibit was at India House...

A pair of large-sized South Indian (Kerala) wooden boat steering paddles from the mid-20th century. This pair of hand-carved boat oars from Kerala are an imp...

A pair of 19th century Hindu temple fragments. This pair of antique fragments were elements of a section of hand-carved wood frieze, within a...

Our palatial sized figurative Indian hookah depicting a lovely woman holding a snake is finely crafted from silver of .900 purity and exhibits exceptional chasing and repoussage. Ma...

Intended to hold paan or betel, the seamed cylindrical body flaring downward towards the base, the domed lid showing a lotus-bud final over a flattened and canted rim, both decorated...

Rail Across India: A Photographic Journey PET, Paul C.; Moorhouse, Geoffrey; Hollingsworth, Brian. Photographs of the scenery, trains, and social life of India are accompanied by a...

Where Every Breath Is A Prayer: A Photographic Pilgrimage Into The Spiritual Heart Of Asia By Jon Ortner This is a beautiful large coffee table book. Edition first edition Binding hardcover PublisherStewart, Tabori & Chang Place Of Publication New York ,USA Date Published 1996 Keywords Buddhism Asia Spiritualism. With devotion and artistry, Photographer Jon Ortner has captured the essence of the sacred lands and ancient traditions of the world's most mysterious region. Retracing the journeys of holy men and shamans, he has traveled thousands of miles, over more than two decades, to portray spectacular landscapes, architectural marvels, and mystical peoples. His inspiring images-more than 300 in full color-vividly bring to life Asia's revered topography from the highest mountains and deepest gorges of the Himalayas to the once forbidden temples of Myanmar and Cambodia. Here also are the world's oldest city, Varanasi on India's Ganges River, majestic Angkor Wat, the largest temple ever built, and the volcanic peaks of Bali-magical landscapes infused with sanctity. His portraits of people are equally compelling, ranging from simply-clad ascetics engaged in ancient rites to gorgeously costumed dancers performing the same rites as their ancestors, visions that few Westerners have seen. The compelling narratives that accompany these haunting photographs trace the evolution of Hinduism and Buddhism, provide a travelogue of the region, and celebrate the teachings of these holy peoples...

Button-parade brooch in golden metal and diamonds from India for the English market. The base is made up of a continuous laminar body element that opens into petals with twisted tips...

1985 hyperrealist relief painting of a hand drawn horse shaped dagger using vivid colors, including gold gilding. Signed Ramesh Sharma.

This charming vintage brass armadillo sculpture is a delightful addition to any eclectic or bohemian-inspired space. Crafted with intricate detaili...

Add a touch of whimsy to your decor with this Vintage Boho Solid Brass Mouse. Expertly crafted from solid brass, this charming piece features intricate detailing and a warm, golden f...

Set of three ancient simple wooden capitals to use as You wish: in a wall structure, as a base for sculptures, on columns even in the GARDEN because they are made of teak. Look to ...

1985 hyperrealist relief painting of a hand drawn flower decorated dagger using vivid colors, including gold gilding. Signed Ramesh Sharma.  

Antique Early 20th Century engraved Indian colonial unmarked silver and steel presentation padlock 1912. Engraved “Kasiram . Das, Institution Katwa 1912 FCR” the reverse “A. N. Mober...

The portal to unknown realms of the intangible. A gentle reminder of our soul cravings. Portal I is made in terracotta, creating that bond between the earth and the vast universe. Th...

Zhumbar - large brass lamp for festive occasions. India, early 20th century. Central hoop, with a dozen curved arms (with hoops at their end) - six turning upwards and six downwards. Four rods for suspension. Such lamps served the "Bene Israel" congregation that lived mainly in Bombay, Calcutta and other towns in western India. "Oil chandeliers with thirteen arms, known as Zhumbar, were used in the synagogue on festive occasions" Literature: Orpa Slapak (Editor), "The Jews of India - Bene Israel, Cochin...

This fascinating piece dates from the 19th century in India, where it was used as a water base for a hookah, or shisha pipe. In traditional hookah smoking, the base of the pipe is no...

Introduce whimsical charm to your decor with this Vintage Boho Solid Brass Bunny. This delightful piece, crafted from solid brass, showcases intricate deta...

This charming vintage hand-painted terra cotta marching band set features an impressive collection of 11 vibrant figures. Each member of this lively band is dressed in striking green jackets with yellow pants, topped with intricately detailed white and red turbans. Their expressive faces and detailed instruments, ranging from drums and trumpets to bagpipes and flutes, bring a joyful and festive touch to any space. The craftsmanship of these terra cotta figurines...

A Fabulous Brass Mezuzah Case made in India in the Early 20th Century. Judaica pieces all over the world generally resemble places and cultures that the Jewish people were surrounde...

A South Indian (Kerala) wooden boat prow from the mid-20th century. This hand-carved boat prow from Kerala is adorn with curling volute and decoratively cu...

An antique water wheel from Kerala, India. This Kerala water wheel, also known as a "chakram chavittal," would have originally been used as a manua...

A South Indian (Kerala) wooden boat prow from the mid-20th century. This hand-carved boat prow from Kerala is adorn with curling volute and cut metal bandi...

17th century apothecary's ivory mortar Apothecary's ivory mortar 9 Indo-Portuguese 17th century Cites certificate number IT/CE/2023/MI/01108 11 x 9,5 cm

Brass Shabbat lamp, India, early 20th century. A circular Shabbat lamp, with seven spaces for hanging small oil cups. The lamp is suspended with three rod...

The portal to unknown realms of the intangible. A gentle reminder of our soul cravings. Portal III is made in natural and pure brass, creating that bond between the earth and the vas...

A South Indian (Kerala) wooden boat prow from the mid-20th century. This exquisite example of a hand-carved boat prow from Kerala features a steeply pointe...

A South Indian (Kerala) wooden boat prow from the mid-20th century. This hand-carved boat prow from Kerala is adorn with curling volute and decoratively cu...

1985 Indian artist hyperrealist relief painting of a hand drawn pitcher using vivid colors, including gold gilding.

A highly important Mughal Indian Cannon captured at Copal Droog, 1858 This remarkable cannon is cast overall with a zig-zag design, often representative of ripples in water. The cen...