An Indian antique miniature painting of Kartikeya, the Hindu god of war and son of Shiva and Parvati. He is shown with five of his six heads visible, sitting with his brother, the elephant-headed Ganesha on his lap. At his feet, are his parent's vehicles, Nandi the bull for Shiva and his mother's lion. His own vehicle, the peacock is not shown. A woman protruding from his head is covering all of his many eyes. A lotus chakra runs down the center of his body. In the background are white... Click for details

An antique Indian votive Shiva Lingam with a figure of a large Naga (snake). This lingam sits on the outer edge of one of the large coils of the great snake. It represents the union of opposites, the male and female energies combined in creation and Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction.
Above the lingam is the large hooded head of the cobra, the Naga that is so closely associated with Shiva. Shiva is the god of all beasts and wears a cobra around his neck. Snakes themselves are... Click for details

An antique Indian bronze votive planque depicting the Hindu god, Virabhadra. Considered the protector of Hinduism, Virabhadra is an incarnation of Shiva.
Although they were not invited, Shiva and his wife, Sati attended a yajna (a sacrificial ritual) hosted by her father, Daksha. Sati's father did not approve of the ascetic Shiva and insulted Sati. In despair, Sati threw herself on the ritual pyre. When Shiva learned of Sati's death, he tore his hair out in anger. From this, the hero... Click for details

Nepalese Vajracharya buddhist priest crown. Copper, covered in gilt gold and semi precious stones.
The helmet-like triple mound represents Mount Meru, which is the fulcrum of the universe. Plaques with four of the five transcendent Buddhas are evenly distributed on the first level of the mound. Each Buddha wears a crown and jewels, and sits cross-legged on a lotus pedestal atop a kirtimukha. On the upper levels of the mound are plaques with various Buddhist symbols, as well as the image... Click for details

Indian antique miniature painting of a Mughal prince. Dressed in rich clothing and jewels, the prince sits on the back of a white horse. A halo around the prince's head denotes his royal status. His horse wears a jeweled bridle. A quiver and arrows is attached to the saddle so one can assume the prince is starting out on a hunt.
Painting in gouache on paper, this was originally an album leaf. The page is framed so that the writing on the edges and back is visible.

Age: 19th... Click for details

Indian antique miniature painting of the Hindu goddess, Kali portrayed here standing on her husband, the Lord Shiva. Kali is the divine feminine, Shakti (power) of Shiva. She is the fierce and powerful goddess of time, destruction and creation and is worshipped for her strength and protection.
This image of her standing on top of Shiva represents her as the goddess of the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. She wears a jeweled crown, a skirt of human arms and a necklace of severed heads. ... Click for details

Indian antique miniature painting of the goddess, Sarasvati (Saraswati). Here she is seen playing her veena (a stringed musical instrument). In her other hands are her rosary and a book. She drifts on the water of the Saraswati River seated on a giant lotus. Next to her swims her swan mount. Painted in gouache on paper.
Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, education, learning, arts, speech, poetry, music, purification, language and culture. She is one of the 3 main goddesses,... Click for details

Indian antique miniature painting of two noblemen visiting a young Maharaja on an outdoor terrace. The young man sits on a throne and is fanned by an attendant. His tall crown with white feather finial denotes his royal status. The scene is edged with delicate scrolling vines in gold on black which is beautifully repeated on the wooden frame. The area between is decorated with colorful sprays of blossoming flowers. Painted in gouache and gold on paper.

Age: 19th... Click for details

An expressive and time-worn Indian sculpture of Ganesha, hand-carved from solid white marble. This sacred figure of the elephant-headed deity is seated in a relaxed posture with one leg folded and the other extended, holding traditional attributes in his hands. Traces of original red pigment remain visible in crevices, hinting at the sculpture’s once vibrant devotional life.

In Indian tradition, Ganesha is known as the Remover of Obstacles and the Lord of Beginnings. He is... Click for details

Ancient Greek kylix is a terracotta drinking cup, traditionally used for wine consumption during symposia (drinking gatherings). It features a shallow bowl with an elegant footed base and two looping handles, allowing for ease of use. The surface shows signs of age with natural patina and some remnants of decoration.
Kylixes were commonly adorned with painted scenes, often depicting mythology, daily life, or Dionysian festivities, though this example has worn surface details due to... Click for details