India
The most populous nation on earth has a long history of producing stunning decorative arts, from textiles to precious metals. Here's a selection of pieces that caught my eye.
Please click on the item for more photos, pricing and full description.
Vintage 20th Century Indian Kalamkari (Srikalahasti)
cloth wall hanging
Vintage 20th Century Indian Thanjuvar silver/brass/copper
art plaque
Antique/Vintage 20th Century Indian Rajasthan tribal silver snake bracelet
Antique late-19th/early-20th Century Anglo-Indian
hand-chased brass plate
Antique Late-19th/Early-20th Century Indian repouseé
brass bowl
Vintage 20th Century Indian Sheesham hardwood portable sidetable boho chic
Vintage 20th Century Indian patinated brass posy vase
Vintage 20th Century Indian brass Shiva sacred Hindu animals plate
Vintage 20th Century (1983) original photo portrait India/Nepal by Peter Robertson
Vintage 20th Century Indian Kalamkari (Srikalahasti)
cloth wall hanging
$45
Offered for sale is this vintage 20th Century Indian kalamkari printed decorative wall hanging, most likely made in Andhra Pradesh (stylistically, possibly from the town of Srikalahasti) and estimated as dating from the 1980’s to 1990’s.
It may depict or reference a smaller scene from the larger tale of the marriage of Abhimanyu and Sasirekha.
Using a polychrome scheme (of greens, reds, orange and grey tones) on cotton, four distinct panels are identified (each divided by a different border). The upper has four stylised vases/containers with floral and humanistic forms; the next having an animal parade of a decorated elephant, Brahman cow and tiger. The largest panel has a reclining female figure (on a canopied bed, with decorative columns and pillows) holding a lotus blossom. The lower panel has two bed supports, along with domestic elements such as larger vases/ewers, furniture and containers.
A great decorator’s piece for any home or business.
Measures 93cm (h) x 44cm (w) approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. As with any vintage watch I recommend allowing for a service. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: MR25005
Vintage 20th Century Indian Thanjuvar silver/brass/copper
art plaque
$145
Offered for sale is this vintage 20th Century Indian Thanjavur silver, brass and copper art plate/plaque, made in Tamil Nadu (southern India) and most likely dating from the 1930’s to 1960’s. Now culturally-protected, this unique metal handcraft was originally created during the 18th/19th Century Maratha rule of Rajah Serfoji-II. It is a highly-regarded skill and still made today by a strictly-limited number of families (who have inherited the techniques and authority to produce them).
The design features a series of inset silver and copper pressed panels surrounding a central inset silver boss. The central boss depicts a reclining rajah (on a bed with stylised floral support) surrounded by rich drapery and holding a large panchapatra panchapatram vase – so he may be conducting the Hindu puja (पूजा ) ceremony. Working outwards from this scene, there are two inset textured copper bands that lead to series of rising steps. The middle step has fifty-six (56) individual domed circular copper and brass beads, each framed with round punch-marks. The outer step (which gently angles backwards to meet the rolled rim) contains five silver and five copper repeated inset panels with a stylised peacock and foliage.
In excellent original condition. Over time the metals have taken on a patination that reflects this being a proper antique/vintage piece and not modern reproduction.
Measures 28cm (diameter) x 1cm (h) approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: AP24010
Antique/Vintage 20th Century Indian Rajasthan tribal silver
snake bracelet
$145
Offered for sale is this antique/vintage 20th Century Indian tribal silver ‘snake’ style bracelet, from the Rajasthan region and most likely dating from the early 1900’s to 1950’s.
The design features an embossed, two-piece clasp with left-threaded screw (to remove and secure the bangle) topped with a floral boss. From the clasps are fitted two tightly-braided silver flat-rope cords, held and separated by three embossed floral clasps.
In very good original condition. Over time the silver (which would be a lower grade than sterling) has patinated, which has not been polished but left intact to respect it being an antique/vintage piece.
Measures (joined) 21.5cm approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final
ITEM: FE24017
Antique late-19th/early-20th Century Anglo-Indian
hand-chased brass plate
$175
Offered for sale is this antique late-19th/early-20th Century Anglo-Indian cast-brass and hand-chased platter, most likely dating from the 1880’s to 1920’s and from the Hindu Kush or Kashmir regions. There is the remains of a sticker (from a previous owner, born in 1917) that has been left in situ for further attribution work (if felt necessary).
Set within a pie-crust border, this charming example of classical Indian metalwork depicts a historical scene of a Mughal prince being hunted (probably whilst hunting, but there’s irony for you) by a pair of lions. With kanjar dagger drawn, his backwards gaze is ready to deal with the lion attacking to the rear; but unfortunately this means the lion at the front is being ignored. There is a genuine tension in this piece, as we all know what’s going to happen next – but the prince doesn’t.
For the ocean of mass-produced vintage Indian brass pieces, you can tell this is a quality item and therefore rare. The heavy, hand-cast (not lathe-turned or stamped) plate still shows where multiple runners have been broken off. Please note the casting process has produced a slight uneveness. The entire design has been hand-chased, with no two areas of patterning the same. This reflects its nature as truly unique, hand-made – no other will be exactly the same!
In very good original condition. Over time the brass has patinated into a deep olivaceous-brown that reflects it being a proper antique and not modern reproduction. The platter was carefully cleaned (using water only), dried and a protective layer of natural beeswax applied to respect and protect its unique appearance.
Measures 32cm (diameter) approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: JA24004
Antique Late-19th/Early-20th Century Indian
repouseé brass bowl
$125
Offered for sale is this antique 19th Century/20th Century Indian repouseé and chased brass bowl, most likely from the Punjab/Northern India region and dating from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s.
There are two ways of interpreting the primary, duplicated image of a seated male figure seen on this excellent example of Indian craftsmanship. The first is it perhaps shows a Mughal-era warrior, clenching a small dagger (perhaps a dha) in each hand – calm, poised and ready for battle. The second is it may depict a holy man or Sadhu/Yogi, in a meditation pose and holding a flame (representing enlightenment) in each palm. Completing the design are two heraldic bosses, each set with a stylised bird – possibly a sacred animal such as the Blood Pheasant (venerated in the Northern Indian state of Sikkim). Surrounding all panels are stylised foliate elements depicting perhaps acanthus, pomegranate and lotus root.
Incredible to think all this was hand-worked and therefore an individual piece of artwork.
In very good original condition. The seams of where the bowl was originally lapped together are visible; this is not damage but indicates and authenticates its hand-made quality and old age of manufacture using pre-industrial machinery skills.
Measures 11.2cm (h) x 11.5cm (diameter) approximately.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Due to weight and risk of damage during freight, local collection only or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: OC23021
Vintage 20th Century Indian Sheesham hardwood
portable sidetable boho chic
$95
Offered for sale is this vintage 20th Century Indian-made Sheesham-wood hardwood portable side (or coffee) table, most likely dating from the 1960’s to 1980’s.
The hand-carved design features stylised classical Indian foliate patterns; the central boss inset with a floral emblem. Each leg features stamped and hand-worked patterning and is cut in the form of a peacock with its plumes showing.
Often called ‘Indian Rosewood’, apart from its natural deep red colour one of the great qualities of Sheesham wood is its durability by being resistant to termites.
A charming and useful decorative piece for any home or business – very boho chic.
Over the years the timber has developed patination and wear that reflects it being a vintage piece and not modern reproduction.
Measures 37cm x 37cm (square) x 38cm (high, with base fitted) approximately.
Please check the pictures as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: OC23004
Vintage 20th Century Indian patinated brass posy vase
$14
Offered for sale is this vintage 20th Century Indian patinated brass posy vase, most likely dating from the 1960’s to 1980’s.
The unusual and interesting hexagonal bulb-form features an alternating dark and light finish. Overall, the piece has taken on a soft,warm patination that brass develops over long periods of time.
In as-found condition. Please note one of the dark finish panels has a slightly brighter section where a small label may have been located in the past (as pictured).
Measures 15cm (h) x 5.5cm (w) approximately.
Please check the pictures as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: FE23004
Vintage 20th Century Indian brass
Shiva sacred Hindu animals plate
$95
Offered for sale is this vintage 20th Century Indian cast bronze wall plate.
Originally silver plated, over time this has developed a warm and interesting patina.
It depicts the Hindu god Shiva in a central panel, dancing while holding a snake and fire. Surrounding him is six repeated borders featuring sacred Hindu animals the squirrel and garuda.
Measures 14.5cm (diam.) x .5cm (h) approximately. Ready to hang, nothing to spend.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can post at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand watch it may need a service, and is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase (as any sale is final).
ITEM: OC21046
Vintage 20th Century (1983) original photo portrait India/Nepal
by Peter Robertson
$95
Offered for sale is this original 1983 gelatin photograph by Peter Robertson (signed on reverse). Only 1 of 5 produced. Despite extensive research, Peter remains elusive – although this image was framed using a high-quality, Melbourne-built FINI Frame so he may possibly be Australian artist.
The stunning image depicts an Indian or Nepali man, head swathed in cloth. And in spite of what externally appears a life lived hard, there is a joyous twinkle in his eyes and lightness of spirit eminating. This photograph will inspire and engage in any home.
Measures 52cm (h) x 42cm (w) framed. Ready to hang, nothing to spend.
Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.
Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.
ITEM: AU21006