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

Unusual Thai architectural sculpture known as a chofa. These beast-like ornaments embellish temple and palace rooftops as a symbol of power and protection. Natural patina and remnants of red and gilt lacquer show antiquity. A photo is shown to demonstrate how a chofa would look while still in place on a temple roof. The temple shown is in Chiang Mai, the largest and most culturally rich city in Thailand.

19th century or earlier

Size: (on stand) 12" W x 17" D x 65" H... Click for details

Topoke spear currency. Forged iron mounted on black iron stand. Equatorial Region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Large forged blades such as this in the shape of a spear point were well used in the middle of the 20th century. As currency and during marriage ceremonies, they are known under several names; Di hunga (small form), doa the larger example spear form. During the marriage ceremonies up to 60 doa might be exchanged for the bride. These were specially shaped look like spear's... Click for details

The sacred standing buddha is a Abhaya mudra posture of buddha. Its missing right hand still evokes its meaning which imparting fearlessness and reassurance. The fragmented crowned head and ursna has deteriorated as a symbol of its meaning illusion over ignorance. The buddhas eyes are complete and inlaid with mother of pearl and stone. The full body is sculpted in a soft manner representing its flow of energy and showing its lifelike qualities. The overall bronze figure still shows traces... Click for details