A Sino-Tibetan gilt bronze statue of Maitreya, regarded by this world as a future Buddha in succession after the current Sakyamuni Buddha. Tradition teaches that Maitreya is a Bodhisattva who will one day appear on earth to achieve enlightenment and teach the pure dharma. The Bodhisattva is seated on a double-lotus pedestal to represent purity untouched by Samsara, the copper base impressed with a four point vajra to represent the four poisons of the earthly realm.

Late 18th Century... Click for details

The three-sided style of the phurba comes from an ancient tool used to pin down sacrifices. The phurba has 3 segments to represent its power to transform negative energies. These energies are known as the "three poisons" and are attachment, ignorance, and aversion. The 3 sides of the phurba also represent the 3 spirit worlds and the phurba itself unites those worlds. The handle of the phurba represents "wisdom" while the blade represents "methods".

The phurba symbolizes stability and... Click for details

A framed pair of Southeast Asian palm leaf manuscripts, each side covered in gold leaf, with ornate filigree in red, and scenes of dancing people and beasts. With lines of text written in black lacquer pigment. These manuscripts have two holes each to be strung and bound together as a book. Professionally displayed suspended in glass and framed.

19th Century

Dimensions: 21.25" L x 23" H (entire frame) 22.5" L x 5" H (each manuscript)

Antique Thai/Burmese Sanskrit book fragments, called a "parabaik", which were once majorly used to document societal information through text and drawings. Made from thick sheets of paper, either blackened for text or whitened for colored drawings, which were then glued and folded together. This book fragment has a central black panel, with religious Sanskrit text in gilt, and gilt pigment figures kneeling in prayer on either side.

Early Rattanakosin period (1782-present)... Click for details

Antique Thai panel with red and gilt pigments, featuring detailed hand-carvings of two dancing human figures with a monkey over a reticulated ground of various flora.

Dates from the 19th century

Dimensions : 13"L x 2" D x 16.5" H

An antique set of four Indonesian betel nut cutters. Three of the smaller cutters are made with mixed metals and iron; One with the head of a goose, one with the head of a serpent, and one shaped as a peacock. The largest of the set is hand-carved into a playful dog.

The practice of betel nut chewing is common in many parts of South Asia. Slices of the areca nut would be wrapped in betel leaves and chewed, giving a mild stimulant effect. Sometimes tobacco and slaked lime would be... Click for details

Antique Sumatra / Indonesian sterling silver betel nut box. Its sides are decorated by impressions of flowers and vines, as well as the corners of the lid with top handle. There are four lidded compartments and one open compartment inside with patina from use and remnants of slaked lime. Embossed silver hallmark on bottom of box.

The practice of betel nut chewing is common in many parts of South Asia. Slices of the areca nut would be wrapped in betel leaves and chewed, giving a mild... Click for details

Antique Sumatra / Indonesian sterling silver betel nut box, with incised scalloped edges and inlay of flowers, draping vine handles, raised on four small legs, original key included. The interior houses four compartments with a small oval box and two spoons, as well as a small container with white residue of slaked lime. The practice of betel nut chewing is common in many parts of South Asia. Slices of the areca nut would be wrapped in betel leaves and chewed, giving a mild stimulant effect.... Click for details

Tibetan gilt bronze Buddhist statue, of a wrathful deity assumed in the tantric Yabyum position with his female consort. Below the pair is a Garuda vehicle, devouring the Naga (snake), while a human figure is crushed underneath. They are all raised on a lotus platform, with mixed metal bottom and floral impression.

Mid 20th century

Size: 12" L x 7.5" D x 13" H

Antique pair of Thai male attendants (Nats), finely rendered out of teak wood, with polychrome traces of pigments. These funerary effigies would be kept close to an ancestral altar in order to help lead their spirits into the afterlife. Highly realistic detailing and form, this pair of statues are raised on pedestals for sturdy display.

Early 20th century

Size: 11" L x 10.5" W x 42.5" H