Arts of India and the Islamic Lands

Lot 1 - A STAINED GLASS WINDOW WITH THE THIRD AVATARA OF LORD VISHNU, VARAHA AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Tamil Nadu, Southern India or England made for the Indian export market, late 19th - 20th century Designed as a round arch window, made of unevenly sized, painted and monochrome stained glass segments, the figure standing under the central arch representing the four-armed Varaha (the Boar), the first manifestation (avatara) of the Hindu God Vishnu, holding his characteristic lakshanas (attributes) such as the conch shell, the chakram (quoit), the shield (dhal) and the sword, flanked by slender twisted columns and flower urns reminiscent of Western interiors, 94.5cm x 48.4cm.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 2 - TWO STAINED GLASS WINDOWS WITH HINDU DEITIES ON GOLDEN LOTUS PEDESTALS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Tamil Nadu, Southern India or England made for the Indian export market, late 19th - 20th century Designed as round arch windows, made of unevenly sized, painted and monochrome stained glass segments, featuring two Hindu deities standing on golden lotus pedestals under central polylobed arches edged with lush foliage, representing the God of Victory and War, Kartikeya (also known as Skanda), and the Southern Indian Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai, a form of Parvati, flanked by slender columns, set against an ochre ground of scrolling floral sprays, each window 94cm x 51.5cm.

Estim. 600 - 800 GBP

Lot 3 - TWO STAINED GLASS WINDOWS WITH BABY KRISHNA AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Tamil Nadu, Southern India or England made for the Indian export market, late 19th - 20th century Designed as round arch windows, made of unevenly sized, painted and monochrome stained glass segments, depicting the beloved form of Krishna as a child (Bala Krishna), in the first panel reaching out for a personified version of Garuda, Vishnu's vahana (vehicle), the eagle, under the careful supervision of his foster mother Yashoda, his damaru drum stuck amidst the tree's branches; the latter panel presenting the iconic symbolism of baby Krishna known as Vatapatra Shayi, lying on a Banyan leaf and sucking his toe, floating in the vastness of the primordial cosmic ocean accompanied by the sage Markandeya, the largest window 104cm x 53cm.

Estim. 600 - 800 GBP

Lot 4 - TWO STAINED GLASS WINDOWS WITH EUROPEAN-STYLE INTERIOR SCENES AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Tamil Nadu, Southern India or England made for the Indian export market, late 19th - 20th century Designed as round arch windows, made of unevenly sized, painted and monochrome stained glass segments, featuring two Indian ladies in Westernised interior settings, one dressed in a red saree and reclined on a green-lined chaise longue, above her a heavy green curtain with several tassles, the latter wearing a saree with chequered floral motif and sitting on a European high-chair in a Westernised interior with urn-like vases, a French writing desk, and several other artifacts of foreign origin, the largest window 93cm x 51cm.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 5 - TWO STAINED GLASS WINDOWS WITH FLORAL TRIUMPHS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Tamil Nadu, Southern India or England made for the Indian export market, late 19th - 20th century Designed as round arch windows, made of unevenly sized, painted and monochrome stained glass segments, featuring a large lush flower bouquet in the centre, spraying out of an urn-like vase, flanked by further vases or cornucopia, and surrounded by acanthus leaves, the style and composition of the floral triumph echoing similar examples encountered in stained glass windows from Europe, the largest window 54cm by 105cm including the wooden frame.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 6 - A NEAR PAIR OF INDIAN HIGH-TIN GADROONED METAL BOTTLES WITH DIAMOND-SHAPED PATTERN AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Central or South India, 19th century Each of compressed globular shape, resting on a cylindrical base with a splayed circular foot, rising to a tall, flared, conical neck with everted rim, the gadrooned body enhanced with a wide high-relief decorative fretwork band alternating spears and diamond-shaped patterns, around the shoulders a crown of chased pointy lotus petals, the tallest 19.5cm high.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 7 - A GLOBULAR HIGH-TIN METAL VASE AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON North or Central India, 19th century Of globular shape, resting on a stepped, splayed, circular foot, rising to a short ringed neck with wide everted rim, the body decorated with multiple narrow vertical ribs encased within narrow horizontal decorative bands engraved with pointy lotus petal motifs, beading to the rim, 7cm diam. and 14cm high.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 8 - A SMALL GLOBULAR HIGH-TIN METAL VASE AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON North or Central India, 19th century Of compressed globular shape, resting on a short circular foot, rising to a wide cylindrical neck with everted rim, the body decorated with multiple narrow vertical ribs, next to the foot an engraved Devanagari inscription reading “Vinda Siha”, 8cm diam. and 8.5cm high.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 9 - TWO INDIAN VERMILLION RED-LACQUERED WOODEN DOWRY JARS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Karnataka, South India, late 19th - 20th century Each of traditional globular shape, resting on a slightly raised foot, with a circular opening at the top surmounted by a hemispherical, dome-like lid, the wooden exterior of the largest jar lacquered and painted in traditional Indian village colours including vermillion red, ochre yellow, black and green, the latter plainer and lacquered in just two tones, black and red, the shape and design of these typical vessels indicating a home-use in Indian abodes often forming part of Indian bride's dowry sets, the largest 25.5cm high, the smallest 18.3cm high.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 10 - TWO CAST INDIAN BOTTLES WITH FLUTED NECKS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Northern India, 18th - 19th century Comprising a pyriform brass bottle with faceted and indented body, resting on a short splayed foot, rising to a tall, conical, fluted neck, the neck and foot engraved with a narrow band of lotus petal motif, 17.5cm high; and another pyriform bottle, made of a copper alloy with high tin content, smaller in size and plain, 11.5cm high.

Estim. 200 - 400 GBP

Lot 11 - A PLAIN BRONZE LOTA (WATER VESSEL) AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Vijayanagara Empire, South India, late 16th – first half 17th century Of typical pyriform shape, resting on a short cylindrical base with a splayed foot, rising to a conical neck with a wide everted rim, engraved with double concentric lines on the rim, four concentric lines in the middle of the body, and an intricate lotus crown around the base, the foot with a chequered pattern, 23cm high.

Estim. 150 - 300 GBP

Lot 12 - A CAST BRASS LOTUS-SHAPED LIME PASTE CONTAINER AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Karnataka, Southern India, late 17th - 18th century Cast in two parts of equal size in the shape of lotus flowers with several rows of superimposed rounded petals, each one incised with lines and prick points to add texture and naturalism, with two pairs of peacocks regardant by the hinge, 9cm diam. and 10.4cm high.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 13 - AN INCISED OPENWORK BRASS LIDDED BOX AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Karnataka, South India, 19th century Cast in the heart-like shape of a Pipal leaf (ficus religiosa), the hinged lid and sides of the box incised and pierced with a dense floral grid, the edges decorated with stylised lotus petals and twisted-rope designs, the interior plain except for a peacock finial and a later-added, engraved, undeciphered Devanagari inscription on the inner lid, approx. 12.5cm x 20cm.

Estim. 300 - 500 GBP

Lot 14 - AN INDIAN INCISED BRONZE SPICE AND PANDAN CONTAINER AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Karnataka or Tamil Nadu, Southern India, late 19th – early 20th century Cast in the drop-like shape typical of peepal leaves, resting on three sloping feet with lion paws surmounting minute circular wheels, with a lion handle on one side and a narrow, outward-opening, rectangular drawer divided internally into eight rounded compartments, the stepped and convex upper lid opening to a larger hollow compartment without internal division, the whole body and lid incised with overlapping horizontal decorative bands featuring floral motifs, vegetal meanderings and geometric fretwork, engraved on the base with two Telugu letters, possibly the maker’s or owner’s own initials, 15.2cm x 24.5cm.

Estim. 300 - 500 GBP

Lot 15 - A CARVED AND PAINTED HARDWOOD FISH-SHAPED SPICE CONTAINER AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Gujarat or Awadh (Oudh), Northern India, 20th century Carved in the shape of a fish, made of two identical parts joined in the middle with iron hinges, the exterior painted in silver, bold red, black and pale pink, replicating the fins, scales and head of a fish, the interior painted in bold red and presenting on each side an elongated oval and seven rounded concave compartments to be filled with spices and possibly pandan leaves, 15cm x 45.5cm.

Estim. 150 - 200 GBP

Lot 16 - A CAST BRASS PALANQUIN FINIAL WITH A MAKARA HEAD AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Deccan or Karnataka, South India, late 18th century With a long cylindrical body, the finial cast as a Hindu mythological sea creature (makara), the vahana (vehicle) of the river Goddess Ganga, with an adorned elephantine head, a pair of small tusks, a long, upward-curled trunk, and sharp crocodile-like fangs around the mouth, 37cm long.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 17 - A CAST AND ENGRAVED BRONZE MAKARA HEAD FINIAL AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON South India, 19th century Cast in the round, the tubular finial designed in the shape of a mythical makara head with curved snout, wide-open nostrils, large bulging eyes, sharp fangs, and thick mane, engraved with vegetal and floral designs, and whiskers on the cheeks, horns and around the lips, the pierced tongue a likely later addition, once screwed onto another element, perhaps a spout, now missing, 7cm diam. and 21cm long.

Estim. 200 - 400 GBP

Lot 18 - AN INDIAN BRASS DUCK-SHAPED CONTAINER AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Deccan or Southern India, 18th century Cast in two parts in the shape of a duck reclining its neck over the body and wings, resting on four rectangular flattened feet with wheels (two now missing) reminiscent of Indian temple toys and devotional icons, the hinged lid and rounded base incised with feather patterns throughout to enhance the naturalistic rendering of the duck's body, approx. 16.2cm x 18.5cm.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 19 - AN ENGRAVED BRASS HAMSA DUCK FINIAL AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Deccan or Southern India, 18th century Cast in the shape of the beloved sacred Hamsa duck (also known as Hintha in Southeast Asia), resting on a flattened circular ring probably once part of a finial, with a large, drop-shaped, openwork tail featuring a stylised lotus flower in the centre, breathing out sacred fiery breath from its beak, with a sinuous, upward-turned crest, the body engraved with dots and lines forming the feathers and bodily features of the duck, 17cm high.

Estim. 300 - 500 GBP

Lot 20 - A BRONZE PALANQUIN MAKARA HEAD FINIAL AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Karnataka or Tamil Nadu, Southern India, 19th century Cast as a Hindu mythological sea creature (makara) head, the vahana (vehicle) of the river Goddess Ganga, with an elephantine head, a long, upward-curled trunk holding a branch of flowers, and a decorative beaded band all around the edges, 24.5cm high.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 21 - THREE CAST BRASS PARROT-SHAPED HANGING HOOKS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Southern India, late 19th century Each of identical shape and size, likely part of a larger set, each cast in the round and designed as a parrot with a long, hook-like tail, a small beak, and an upward-curled crest on the head, the body incised with lines and dots mimicking the birds' feather patterns, each 14.3cm high.

Estim. 300 - 400 GBP

Lot 22 - A CAST BRONZE POCKET DAGGER WITH A VYALA HEAD AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON South India, 18th century With a concealed and foldable single-edged steel blade, the handle cast as a faceted column shaft, surmounted by a mythical vyala head with widely open fangs and protruding curled snout, the pommel at the top square and flattened, reminiscing the shape of an inverted pedestal, 16.5cm high including the blade.

Estim. 300 - 500 GBP

Lot 23 - TWO CAST BRONZE MINIATURE FIGURES OF LIONS (SIMHA) AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Southern India, possibly Vijayanagara Empire, ca. 15th - 16th century Each cast in the round, resting on a different base, the first lion seated on his rear and standing with the front paws on a circular pedestal, 6.3cm high; and the latter standing on all fours on a rectangular base with the front right paw lifted, 4cm high.

Estim. 300 - 500 GBP

Lot 24 - AN INDIAN BRONZE DOORKNOCKER WITH MAKARA HEADS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON South India, 18th century Cast in the round, the W-shaped sinuous doorknocker featuring a central round hoop, underneath it a pointy fruit or berry, and on the sides two terminals enhanced with spotted ferocious makara heads with sharp fangs, bulging eyes, and thick manes, 18cm x 10cm.

Estim. 300 - 500 GBP

Lot 25 - A CARVED AND PAINTED HARDWOOD VYALA-SHAPED ARCHITECTURAL SUPPORT AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Vijayanagara Empire, South India, ca. 17th - 18th century Of tall, narrow, rectangular shape, with a protruding tenon at the top, featuring a typical Vijayanagara-style yali or vyala (a mythical creature with a lion's body and the face and trunk of an elephant), the sinuous body carved in the round and showing residues of green, yellow, and red paint, wearing an elegant headdress and fully bejewelled, mounted on a dark wooden stand, 56cm high, 65cm high including the stand.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 26 - A CARVED HARDWOOD ARCHITECTURAL PANEL WITH THE HINDU MONKEY GOD, HANUMAN AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Tamil Nadu or Karnataka, South India, 18th century The triangular openwork architectural panel featuring a standing Hanuman holding a fire torch in his left hand and signalling with the latter, heavily bejewelled, wearing a long garland around his shoulders and sides, mounted on a black metal stand, the panel 62.5cm high including the stand, the base of the stand 26.5cm x 12cm.

Estim. 300 - 500 GBP

Lot 27 - A PAIR OF INDIAN CAST BRONZE NAUTICAL SHIELD PLAQUES WITH THE MONKEY GOD HANUMAN AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Gujarat, North-Western India, dated 1950 Comprising two cast and moulded 20th-century bronze nautical plaques reminiscent in shape of Western heraldic shields, the central field showcasing the figure of the Hindu Monkey-God Hanuman in relief with a floating shawl around his arms, holding his club in one hand, underneath him the date in Gujarati script reading Samvat 1950, the outer frame of one plaque heavily rubbed, but the latter featuring an inscription in Gujarati script reading Maharana Saheb Shri ... Gaji Bahadur interspersed amidst sailing boats and rosette heads, each 44.5cm x 34cm.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 28 - AN INDIAN SILVER-MOUNTED CARVED WOOD AND WATER BUFFALO HORN SPICE BOX FOR THE EXPORT MARKET AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Gujarat or Goa, India, 19th century Of elongated oval shape, resting on a flattened base of worked horn, the interior divided into eighteen small spike compartments, the central four ones shaped as a flower head, the hinged horn lid plain except for the crenelated silver sheet mount and silver studs decorating the edges, and three brass studs in the middle, 2.3cm x 12cm x 5.5cm.

Estim. 200 - 400 GBP

Lot 29 - A CARVED EBONY SNUFFBOX WITH VEGETAL MOTIFS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Coromandel Coast, Southern India, or Sri Lanka, 18th - 19th century Of elongated rectangular shape with an oval profile, the open front fitted with a cusped flap-like lid, reminiscent in shape of portable gunpowder flasks, each side carved with vegetal meanderings on the outer edges, at the back a rosette medallion in the centre, and a stylised floral spray with vegetal scrolls on the lid, 10cm x 5.5cm.

Estim. 300 - 500 GBP

Lot 30 - A GOLD AND SILVER-INLAID (KOFTGARI) STEEL EWER WITH EAGLES AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Sialkot, Punjab, or Gujarat, Northern India, 17th - 18th century Of compressed pyriform shape, resting on a short, splayed, circular foot, rising to a globular body and tall, flared neck surmounted by a hemispherical, dome-like lid with a budding lotus as finial, on the sides an upward-curved lotus spout and a stylised sinuous dragon handle, the exterior profusely decorated with the typical koftgari (damascening) technique in silver and gold displaying overlapping horizontal decorative bands featuring lavish vegetal meanderings and floral sprays, often contained within lobed arches or roundels, on the neck wing-spread eagles alternating oval medallions in-filled with stylised floral bouquets, each band separated by thin geometric fretwork friezes, 25.3cm high. Provenance: Bonhams New Bond Street, London, 28 April 2005, lot 592. This lot showcases a rather original and unique blend of foreign and autochthonous traditions: its shape is reminiscent of 15th and 16th-century Timurid jugs; the decoration in koftgari technique was originally from Iran, but the vibrancy and variety of its content can be unequivocally ascribed to Indian craftsmen' genius. The koftgari decor on the neck is particularly fine and rather uncommon in terms of North Indian vessels' decorative repertoire. The standing eagles with widely spread wings are presented in a style echoing European heraldic blazons and coats of arms. In Europe, the iconography of the heraldic eagle, used as a charger, supporter, and crest, was inspired by the Late Medieval tradition and rested on a dual symbolism: on one hand it was seen as a symbol of the Roman Empire; on the latter, according to Christian iconography, it represented St. John the Evangelist. Though particularly beloved in the German and Saxon provinces, the single-headed heraldic eagle featured on a number of Portuguese coats of arms as well, as evident in several 16th-century manuscripts including Livro da Nobreza e Perfeiçam das Armas (1521), where the Melo / Mello family crest features an analogous eagle to ours as their heraldic symbol. It does not seem far-fetched to speculate that Indian koftgari steel creations caught the eyes of Western travellers and officials, so much so that they might have likely commissioned special vessels as mementos, requesting local craftsmen to incorporate alien designs and foreign symbols.

Estim. 800 - 1 200 GBP

Lot 31 - TWO SILVER-DAMASCENED (KOFTGARI) STEEL BETEL NUTCRACKERS AND A GOLD-DAMASCENED STEEL FLINT STRIKER AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Punjab or Northern India, mid to late 19th century Comprising two silver koftgari crackers inlaid with stylised foliage and vegetal sprays, one featuring rosette bands all around the edges with a two-tone inlay effect with both silver and copper, the longest 13.5cm; and a curved, slender steel flint striker with a stylised gold-damascened peacock head on one end inlaid with floral motifs, 11.5cm long.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 32 - TWO BIRD-SHAPED GOLD AND SILVER-DAMASCENED (KOFTGARI) STEEL BETEL NUTCRACKERS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Northern India, late 19th and early 20th century Comprising a steel nutcracker in the shape of a phoenix or Persian simurgh with a long feathery tail and curved, drop-shaped wings, all inlaid with gold and silver koftgari work, the two tapering handles made of brass, 21cm long; and another similar, of more recent manufacture, inlaid in copper, silver and gold, 13.7cm long.

Estim. 300 - 500 GBP

Lot 33 - SEVEN HORSE-SHAPED BRASS AND STEEL BETEL NUTCRACKERS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Mostly South India, 18th and 19th century Comprising three cast brass nutcrackers, with typical tapering handles ending in either horse's hooves or stylised makara heads, two with their matching rider, the sides chased and engraved with vegetal and floral motifs, the longest 18.3cm; and four steel specimens, more rudimental in design, one with gold-inlaid eyes, another with copper-inlaid eyes, and another with a gold rosette at the joint of the forelegs and head, the longest 18.5cm.

Estim. 800 - 1 200 GBP

Lot 34 - TWO OPENWORK STEEL HALF-MOON BETEL NUTCRACKERS (SAROTA) AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON North India, 19th century Each with typical slender, tapering handles, and a half-moon steel blade pierced with floral medallions, concealed under a horse-shoe-shaped arch, with a scalloped, openwork beaded frieze at the top and bottom of each cracker's head, comprising one with inward-curved handles, and the latter with traces of silver koftgari decoration, the longest 16cm.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 35 - TWO STEEL HALF-MOON BETEL NUTCRACKERS (SAROTA) AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON North India, 19th century Each with typical slender, tapering handles terminating in rounded or bulbous pommels, and a half-moon steel blade concealed under a horse-shoe-shaped arch, with a scalloped, beaded frieze at the top and bottom of each cracker's head, the largest example featuring an elaborate crest and openwork blade with a seated lion in profile, the latter plain, the longest 19.5cm.

Estim. 300 - 500 GBP

Lot 36 - THREE INDIAN NUTCRACKERS WITH TRIANGULAR STEEL BLADES AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON South India, 19th century Comprising a brass cracker featuring makara and peacock heads on opposite ends of the handles, 19cm long; and two plainer examples in steel, one with ribbed marks on the upper portion of the handles, the latter ribbed and incised throughout, the largest 14.5cm long, the smallest 8.5cm long.

Estim. 300 - 500 GBP

Lot 37 - AN INDIAN BRASS EROTIC NUTCRACKER AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Tamil Nadu, Southern India, early 19th century The small-scale nutcracker with two brass handles cast in the round in the shape of a loving couple, the male figure with a small crescentic steel blade on his hip, portrayed holding his beloved's fulsome, round breasts, their attires typical of the Southern regions of India and partially reminiscent to the costumes of Chola bronze statues, a pair of parakeets resting on each lover's shoulder as a symbol of their bond and devotion for each other, 10cm long.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 38 - AN EROTIC PORTRAIT OF A MUGHAL COURTIER IN A LAVISH INTERIOR AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Late Delhi School, Mughal revival style, Northern India, 20th century Opaque pigments heightened with gold on wove paper, the horizontal portrait depicting a naked Mughal courtier reclined on a large bolster, covered only by a diaphanous shawl running across her tummy, in front of her encrusted courtly vessels including a pandan and a chalice suggesting a state of intoxication and merriment, the erotic portrait set in a lavish courtly interior next to a large window and balcony overlooking a lush garden, the style reminiscent of 19th-century Delhi School portraits, fitted in a red presentation box with folded standing leg at the back, the portrait 15cm x 19.5cm, 21cm x 26.5cm including the box.

Estim. 150 - 300 GBP

Lot 39 - A PREPARATORY STUDY OF A MUGHAL FEMALE COURTIER AND HER ATTENDANTS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Lucknow or Delhi, Northern India, 19th century Ink and pencil on thin tissue paper, the large vertical-format composition depicting a semi-naked female courtier seated on a low bed, joined by two attendants, the one at the back massaging her head and combing her hair with a small comb, the latter at the front offering a tray with a drinking cup to the lady, wearing an unusual domed hat with upward-raised, scalloped brim, the style of this headdress often associated with Western fashion canons and travellers, both attendants clad in long Northern Indian lehenga dresses and heavily adorned, traces of a palatial setting on the upper right corner, elephants and further architecture in the background on the upper left corner, the preparatory drawing laid on a thin frame of wove cream paper, 38.2cm x 27cm.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 40 - AN INDIAN BRASS ROSEWATER SPRINKLER AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Northern India, 19th century Of bulbous shape, resting on a stepped, splayed foot, rising to a cylindrical, tapering, narrow neck surmounted by a projecting, hemispherical, pierced head, the body gadrooned with vertical ribs, and the shoulders enhanced with two overlapping registers of chased and incised vegetal scrollwork, 30.3cm high.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 41 - AN INDIAN BRASS FOOT SCRATCHER WITH A PAIR OF BIRDS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON India, mid to late 19th century With a raised, cross-hatched, oval base with sloping sides and openwork chevrons, surmounted by a pair of birds regardant, possibly peacocks given their crests, 6.5cm high, the base 4.8cm x 6.5cm.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 42 - AN INDIAN METAL THREAD-EMBROIDERED PLUM VELVET FAN AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Northern India, second half 19th century The joined axe-like, crescentic panel of plum cotton velvet raise-worked in metallic threads and spangles with a central fish-scale motif encased within a scrolling floral spray with rosettes and foliage, with a chequered grid on the spine, edged in metal fringe, mounted on a chased silver sheet-lined wooden stem, 41.5cm x 22.5cm.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 43 - A STUDY OF A MUGHAL COURTLY COUPLE AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Faizabad or Lucknow, Northern India, 19th century Ink, pencil, and opaque pigments on lined paper, the horizontal-format composition capturing a moment of tenderness between two lovers, the male counterpart offering to his beloved a tray with a minute drinking cup, the female subject holding her lover back, touching him on the shoulder and wrist as an encouraging sign to serve himself first, both characters adorned in pearls and precious stones set in earrings, forehead ornaments, rings, and several strands of necklaces, their fashion following Mughal courtly standards, an undeciphered rubbed black ink Devanagari inscription between the two lovers, the tinted drawing trimmed on both upper corners and laid onto cream paper, 20.3cm x 22.5cm.

Estim. 500 - 700 GBP

Lot 44 - WOMEN OF INDIA: THREE LARGE BLACK-AND-WHITE PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAITS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Unknown Photographer, unsigned, ca. 1960s - 1980s Comprising three large gelatin silver prints portraying female villagers from rural India, most probably from the Southern Indian regions like Tamil Nadu or Kerala, showcasing the mesmerising variety of local jewellery and accessories including several strands of necklaces, bracelets, and armbands, as well as earrings and nose rings, their arms marked with auspicious henna tattoos, mounted, glazed and framed, each 54cm x 44cm including the frame.

Estim. 300 - 500 GBP

Lot 45 - A SELECTION OF INDIAN TRIBAL ARM ADORNMENTS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Orissa (Odisha) and Eastern Indian Provinces, 19th century Comprising a pair of steel Naga upper-arm bracelets, incised on the exterior with cross-hatched lines on the body replicating the scales of a snake's skin, and the terminal designed as a snake's head, 7.5cm diam.; another pair of steel upper-arm bracelets, similar in shape to the previous example but less elaborate in terms of design, 7.5cm diam; and an Orissan dhokra bronze cuff bracelet, of tapering conical shape with upward-turned top and bottom, decorated with fretwork bands on the exterior, 6cm diam. and 6.5cm high.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 46 - WOMEN OF INDIA: A BLACK-AND-WHITE PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAIT OF A HINDU GIRL AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Unknown Photographer, unsigned, first half 20th century The vertical-format albumen silver print portraying a young girl, possibly a villager from rural Rajasthan or Gujarat, clad in a voluminous saree shawl over a plain white choli top, wearing a variety of traditional Indian jewellery and accessories including metal bangles, a large caparisoned nose ring, an encrusted choker, and several earrings with pearls and gems, the portrait accompanied by a handwritten caption in English cursive 'Hindoo Girl', mounted, glazed and framed, each 46cm x 39.5cm including the frame.

Estim. 100 - 150 GBP

Lot 47 - AN INDIAN BLACKSMITH IN HIS WORKSHOP AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Rajasthan, North-Western India, late 19th century Opaque pigments and ink heightened with gold on wove paper, comprising a vertical-format composition portraying a busy blacksmith in his workshop, surrounded by his working tools and a small fire pit, currently hammering into shape the barrel of a long rifle, several more rifles resting on the wall in front of him, accompanied by 9ll. of black ink Devanagari script on the lower portion of the paper, 27.3cm x 21.5cm; and a small portrait of an Indian villager, possibly a snake charmer, playing the flute in front of a reed basket, wearing an unusual red-speckled pink-dyed conical hat, set within black rules and red borders, the reverse with 4ll. of black and red ink Devanagari script, 11.3cm x 7.4cm.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 48 - SEVEN INDIAN STEEL AND BRASS WORKING TOOLS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON India, 18th century and later Comprising two small-scale steel tweezers, possibly used by jewellers or blacksmiths, the longest 14cm; a portable powder container, possibly for lime paste or other ground minerals, of cylindrical shape, with a hinged lid and a chainlet attached to the accompanying measuring spoon, the container 10.8cm long; and four different styles of prongs, two featuring single-edged crescentic blades at the end of one of the narrow handles, one made of brass and incised with chevron patterns, and another decorated with silver koftgari inlay with a variety of geometric fretwork bands, gridwork, and vegetal motifs around the handles and head, the longest 36cm.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 49 - TWO INDIAN STEEL BELT BUCKLES WITH FLORAL MOTIFS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Deccan, Central India, 19th century Comprising a gold-plated steel belt buckle with stylised lotus flowers on each side, spraying curved, serrated leaves to their sides, 9.5cm x 6.5cm; and another, larger in size, with cusped arches on the wider sides, featuring a pierced openwork reticulate embellished with a cypress tree flanked by rosettes on each side, 12cm x 13cm.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 50 - SIX INDIAN OPENWORK STEEL BUCKLES WITH PEACOCKS AND FLORAL MOTIFS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Punjab and Northern India, 18th and 19th century Comprising a large moulded hexagonal buckle, chased in relief with double pairs of regardant peacocks on the wider sides, interspersed amidst stylised palmettes, 8.3cm x 12cm; other two steel buckles with double pairs of regardant peacocks on the outer profiles, the slightly larger one repeating the pairs of peacock's heads in openwork in the centre, the larger 8.2cm x 10cm, the smaller 6.5cm x 8.5cm; another with a lobed profile on the exterior and two rows of three rosettes of decreasing size, 7.5cm x 11cm; and a near pair of steel buckles with stylised openwork decoration in the centre, the slightly larger 7.4cm x 11cm.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 51 - THREE LARGE LADLES AND A MEASURING SPOON AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Kashmir or Northern India, 18th century and later Comprising two tinned copper ladles with concave, drop-shaped heads, long and tapering handles, terminating in a wider, flattened band engraved with epigraphic inscriptions or stylised vegetal scrollwork, the longest 53cm; and two further steel functional vessels, another ladle with pronounced drop-shaped head and engraved tapering handle with chevron and diamond-shaped fretwork patterns, 43cm long, and a measuring spoon, with a short and narrow handle, on the tail a scalloped wheel cutter, 23cm long.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 52 - A TRIBAL ORISSAN BRASS DHOKRA MEASURING BOWL AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Orissa (Odisha), Eastern India, 20th century Of deep rounded shape, resting on a circular foot-ring, rising to an inward-curved rim, the incised brass measuring bowl showcasing typical features of tribal North-Eastern Indian dhokra metals with applied wires arranged in fretwork bands and gridwork, with a large human face with pointy nose in the front, the rim replicating a pattern typical of woven reed baskets, 9cm diam. and 8.5cm high.

Estim. 150 - 300 GBP

Lot 53 - FOUR PAIRS OF STEEL AND BRASS SCISSORS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Iran, 18th century, and India, 19th century and later Comprising a pair of Late Safavid calligrapher's steel scissors, of typical wedge-like shape, with a circular opening at the top and a U-shaped one just underneath, the sides chased with charming vegetal meanderings of interlocking split palmettes, 14.5cm long; a 20th-century Indian tailor's pair of steel scissors, with tapering and curved handles, 18cm long; and two pairs of South Indian brass umbilical cord clamp scissors, one clamp designed as a stylised dragon's head, the latter as a bird's head, the longest 13cm.

Estim. 300 - 500 GBP

Lot 54 - TWO TRIBAL INDIAN BRONZE HANGING ORNAMENTS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Orissa (Odisha), Eastern India, second half 19th century and later Each hanging ornament possibly once used as a candlelight holder, made of a long tapering shaft with a curved, hook-like head, and a rounded, cup-like base, each shaft elaborately incised, worked, and embellished with copper studs and fittings covering the central structure, the smallest shaft featuring an anthropomorphised figure with large pierced earlobes, the largest 40cm long, the smallest 35cm long.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 55 - AN ENGRAVED CEREMONIAL LAMP OIL FLASK WITH MYTHICAL CREATURES AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Bengaluru (Bangalore), Karnataka, South India, late 18th - 19th century Of compressed globular shape, with flattened front and back, rising to a cylindrical neck surmounted by a bulbous, tapering spout, with two slender mythical creatures, possibly lions or stylised dragons on the sides as handles, the stepped, hammered, and engraved body featuring on each side a large central medallion with a Hamsa duck breathing fire against a ring-punched ground, 46.5cm high.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 56 - A CEREMONIAL BRONZE HANDGUARD WITH A SHAIVA TRISULA (TRIDENT) AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON South India, 17th – 18th century Of convex X-like shape, the front decorated with a chased rosette medallion in the centre, flanked by crescent moon and sun symbols encased within narrow decorative fretwork bands, surmounted by an applied trisula (trident), usually associated with the cult of the Hindu god Shiva, and with a bulbous finial on the opposite side, once caparisoned with bronze bells throughout the edges, with a smooth, curved grip on the back, 36.5cm x 20cm.

Estim. 300 - 500 GBP

Lot 57 - FOUR WOODEN PANELS WITH LARGE PAINTED AND PIERCED IRON DOOR HINGES AND LOCKS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Kerala or Karnataka, Southern India, 17th - 18th century The rectangular, modern wooden panels mounted with Indian antique iron door hinges and locks, possibly used in a templar setting or shrine dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva, each iron plaque showing openwork decoration, and residual traces of red, green, and yellow pigments, each hinge designed in the shape of a Shaivite trisula (trident), accompanied by a crescent moon door hoop (except one panel), both symbols associated with the Hindu god Shiva's iconography, the square lock plate pierced in a variety of decorative motifs from heart-shaped leaves to flaming patterns, the largest wooden panel 59cm x 38cm, the largest iron hinge and lock 56.5cm x 36.4cm.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 58 - A CAST BRONZE HINDU CEREMONIAL LADLE WITH SHAIVA DEITIES, AUSPICIOUS SYMBOLS, AND RURAL LIFE TOOLS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Maharashtra or Southern India, 19th century Made of two individual parts joint together, the head of deep, hollow globular shape, resting on a flattened, circular base, chased in relief with rural animals and village tools including sickles, mortars, weights, a ladder, different types of knives, as well as auspicious Shaiva symbols like tridents, quoits, and a damaru drum, the long, flattened, foldable handle of tapering rectangular shape, with a drop-shaped tail and a lion-like mythical creature face at the end, the edges decorated with braided bands, featuring at the joint a small Shiva linga shrine, surmounted by a five-headed naga snake, Ganesha and another Hindu deity seated in prayer facing each other just outside the shrine, next to them Shiva’s vahana (vehicle) Nandi the bull facing the linga, the head 14cm diam., the full ladle 51.2cm long.

Estim. 800 - 1 200 GBP

Lot 59 - A MOULDED HIGH-RELIEF AND OPENWORK DEVOTIONAL BRONZE PLAQUE OF THE SHAIVA DEITY, BHAIRAVA AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Nepal or Himalayan Foothills, North India, 17th - 18th century Of rectangular shape, the front featuring a figural composition moulded in high relief depicting the ferocious and frightful four-armed avatara of Shiva known as Bhairava, associated with annihilation, standing in the centre on a double lotus pedestal under a flaming arch, each hand holding one of his typical attributes including the Pinaka bow, the Pashupatastra arrow, a sword, and a piece of rectangular cloth, possibly to be used as a noose, embellished with a garland of severed heads, flanked by two devotees, at the top next to the arch a seven-headed naga serpent and a ferocious kirtimukha, flanked by two Nandi bulls next to Shaiva lingas, with a curved, braided handle at the back, possibly a later addition, 19.5cm x 14cm.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 60 - TWO BRONZE MINIATURE ICONS OF THE HINDU ELEPHANT GOD, GANESHA AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON India, 18th and 19th century Each cast in the round, resting on a square pedestal, presenting the murti of Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu God known as the Remover of Obstacles, the first example showing a four-armed Ganesha on his vahana (vehicle), Mushaka the mouse, holding his typical attributes, a noose, an axe, his broken tusk and a bowl of his favourite treats, laddoos, 9.2cm high; the latter similar but presenting the deity in a seated position, 7.1cm high.

Estim. 200 - 400 GBP

Lot 61 - THREE INDIAN MINIATURE BRONZE FIGURINES AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON India, 18th century and later Comprising a small Nandi bull reclined on a rectangular pedestal, 5cm x 5cm x 2.5cm; a devotional statuette of the Monkey God Hanuman, faithful servant of Rama, 5.5cm x 3cm x 2.5cm; and a miniature foot scratcher with a peacock standing on a hexagonal base, 4.5cm x 3.5cm x 2cm.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 62 - AN INDIAN CAST BRONZE TEMPLE BRAZIER AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Karnataka or Tamil Nadu, Southern India, 18th century or later Of hexagonal shape, the cast and pierced body resting on six sloping bracket feet with stepped circular bases, the rim surmounted by six bulbous finials, to the sides four large hoops linked to heavy chains with curved handles, possibly to hang or transport the brazier during processions and rituals, the exterior of the body engraved with floral motifs, geometric fretwork bands, and stylised scrollwork, 15.5cm x 25.5cm excluding the chains.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 63 - THREE LARGE POLYCHROME-PAINTED CARVED WOODEN ARCHITECTURAL PANELS WITH NINE HINDU GODDESSES AND GANESHA AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Gujarat, North-Western India, 18th century Comprising three tall wooden rectangular panels accompanied by a smaller individual one, all part of the same set, the front deeply carved with niches under elaborate, lobed arches accommodating Hindu deities, their attributes, and vehicles (vahanas), replicating the design of a Hindu temple facade, each niche and figure painted in polychromes including red, yellow, blue, green, black and white, certain attributes highlighted in gold, each figure seated on a lotus pedestal and flanked by refined, multi-tiered columns, the spandrels in-filled with pairs of animals and mythical creatures, the heavily adorned and crowned female deities wearing short-sleeved choli tops and diaphanous bottoms, Ganesha with a bare chest and voluminous trousers, the selection of nine female deities possibly linked to the nine manifestations of the Hindu Goddess Durga (Navadurga), especially worshipped during Navaratri and Durga Puja by the followers of Shaktism and Shaivism sects, or a regional female variant of the personified Nine Planets of Indian astrology (Navagraha), the three larger panels mounted on black wooden stands, each niche approx. 41cm x 37.5cm, the larger joint panels 123cm high, 184cm x 41cm including the stand.

Estim. 6 000 - 8 000 GBP

Lot 64 - THREE POLYCHROME-PAINTED CARVED WOODEN ARCHITECTURAL SUPPORT FIGURES OF WINGED APSARAS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Gujarat, North-Western India, 18th century Comprising three carved wooden figures, painted in polychromes including red, yellow, blue, black and white, possibly once used as architectural supports in an arcade, usually situated above columns or just by the arch spandrels, each presented leaning forward with bent hands, perhaps once carrying offerings or specific attributes, two still holding a rounded ball and an oval seed or tool in their hands, heavily adorned with multi-tiered crowns reminiscent of European specimens, wearing large pairs of floral earrings, several strands of necklaces, and colourful ghagra choli clothes (top and long skirts) embellished with vegetal motifs, flowers, dotted clusters, and geometric patterns, each mounted on a black metal stand, the largest 83.5cm x 52cm including the stand.

Estim. 2 000 - 3 000 GBP

Lot 65 - A DECORATIVE PATCHWORK OF INDIAN PICHHWAI HANGING SECTIONS WITH COWS AND FLOWERS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Nathdwara, Rajasthan, North-Western India, mid to late 19th century Shaped as an arch, the hanging made of several joined strips and larger sections of hand-printed and painted cotton pichhwai, decorated with overlapping horizontal registers of large silver-painted rosette scrolls on red ground and groups of cows against a starry ochre yellow ground, framed within a band in-filled with floral meanders and large flowers heads on white and yellow grounds, lined in coarse red-dyed cotton, and mounted on a brown felt panel, 91.5cm x 83.5cm.

Estim. 200 - 400 GBP

Lot 66 - A PAIR OF REPOUSSÉ SILVER SHEET MINIATURE DEITY'S FEET AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON North India, mid to late 19th century Each presenting a slightly rectangular profile, the silver sheet hammered, chased in relief and designed to imitate bejewelled miniature feet enhanced with stacked toe rings, beaded necklaces around the insteps, and chunky braided anklets around the base of the ankles, each foot ca. 14cm x 7cm, and 147gr. together.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 67 - THREE BRONZE DEVOTIONAL MINIATURE ICONS OF BALA KRISHNA AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Tamil Nadu, South India, 17th - 18th century and later Comprising three bronze figurines featuring Bala Krishna, the toddler avatara of the Hindu Vaishnava god, crawling, raising one of his knees and extending forward his right arm, offering a ball of clarified butter (ghee), all three placed on stepped rectangular pedestals, the tallest 7.3cm high, the widest 7.5cm x 5cm.

Estim. 300 - 500 GBP

Lot 68 - A SOUTH INDIAN BRONZE FIGURE OF BALA KRISHNA AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON South India, Vijayanagara period, 15th - 16th century Cast in the distinctive form of the infant Hindu Vaishnava deity Bala Krishna, crawling on his knee, raising his right hand and holding a lump of clarified butter (ghee), wearing several strands of necklaces and lavish jewellery around his waist and chest, and a tall flared headdress on his head, 8.5cm high.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 69 - THREE CAST BRONZE MINIATURE ICONS OF BALA KRISHNA AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Southern India, 19th century Cast in the round, each of varying size, presenting the Hindu deity Krishna in his baby form, shown crawling with his left leg and arm, and holding up in his right hand a round ball of clarified butter (ghee), each head characterised by a protruding hair bun at the top, the largest figurine 6cm x 5.5cm.

Estim. 200 - 400 GBP

Lot 70 - A KRISHNA RASLILA ILLUSTRATION: KRISHNA AND RADHA DANCING TOGETHER WITH THE GOPIS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Bundi or Mewar (Udaipur), Rajasthan, North-Western India, late 18th - early 19th century Opaque pigments, ink, and gold on wove paper laid on cream cardboard, the large vertical-format composition reminiscent of an album page with the central field occupied by a typical Krishna Raslila (or Raasleela) illustration featuring concentric circles of cowherd girls (gopis) playing music and dancing around Krishna and Radha, the beloved couple portrayed in the centre inside a golden circle, an emblem of both their unity and spirituality, the tall tree and blue and white canopy with a low bed and cushions in the background alluding to the lovers' union and their blossoming, long-lasting love for each other; the outer album border paired with the Raslila illustration, laid as well on card, featuring concentric decorative floral bands and white-speckled red rules, the widest band with a gold and polychrome-painted grid in-filled with red flowers surrounded by their budding green leaves, the reverse plain except for concentric polychrome rules around an empty field, 51cm x 37cm.

Estim. 800 - 1 200 GBP

Lot 71 - A TRADITIONAL SIDE-BLOWN BAMBOO FLUTE (BANSURI) AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Nepal or Orissa, North-Eastern India, 20th century The side-blown flute made from a single hollow shaft of dark-stained bamboo, pierced with six finger holes and a blow hole on the opposite side, embellished at both ends with brass plaques with applied brass wire fretwork bands with braids, half-roundels and scalloped designs reminiscent of Orissan Dhokra artworks, 68.5cm long.

Estim. 150 - 200 GBP

Lot 72 - A TRADITIONAL PARROT-HEADED STRINGED DOTARA (CHORDOPHONE) AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Bangladesh or West Bengal, Eastern India, first half 20th century The carved hardwood plucked musical instrument reminiscent of an Indian sarod but larger in size and more elaborate in design, with a deep rounded soundbox at the end covered in dark red and ochre yellow-painted, and pierced hide, once accompanied by two or four strings (now missing), rising to a tapering narrow neck culminating in a rectangular peg box, the head carved with a green parakeet with a long tail reaching the peg box, the exterior painted in polychromes and white wash, ca. 81.5cm long.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 73 - A TANJORE STANDING PORTRAIT OF A SHAIVA BHAKTI SAINT, POSSIBLY A TAMIL NAYANAR AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Thanjavur (Tanjore), Tamil Nadu, South India, early to mid-19th century Opaque pigments, white wash, gold leaf and sukka (limestone paste) on wood, the large vertical-format composition portraying a standing Hindu saint clad in a typical plain white hermit cloth, his forehead marked with the white and red tripundra, the Shaivite tilaka worn by Shiva's devotees, the saint possibly one of the Nayanars, 63 Tamil Hindu saints living during the 6th to 8th centuries AD devoted to the Hindu god Shiva, the four most well-known also called Nalvars, and remembered as Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar, and Manikkavacakar, set against a solid bold red ground, the portrait encased by a lobed golden arch with green curtains resting on slender golden columns, the gold leaf architectural frame studded with square red glass beads replicating rubies, mounted, glazed and framed, 61cm x 51cm including the frame.

Estim. 2 000 - 3 000 GBP

Lot 74 - AN INDIAN ALMANAC SCROLL WITH NUMERICAL CHARTS, AUSPICIOUS BLESSINGS, AND DEITIES AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Rajasthan, North-Western India, 19th century Opaque pigments, red and black ink on cotton, the long scroll featuring several numerical charts interspersed amidst auspicious blessings and Hindu deities like Krishna and Ganesha, possibly used as an almanac or a form of devotional calendar, with several side annotations, commentaries, and red markers, 278cm x 26.5cm.

Estim. 300 - 500 GBP

Lot 75 - TWO INDIAN WOODEN ARCHITECTURAL DECORATIVE ELEMENTS WITH BRASS MOUNTS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Southern India, mid to late 19th century Comprising a carved dark wood element in the shape of a spiral or sea shell, the sides decorated with brass sheets pinned to the wood following the spiralling shape, and the head and tail with openwork brass plaques and rounded bosses with sun collars, 42.5cm x 41cm; and another similar, in the shape of a crest of fleshy palmette top, the sides with brass sheet lines and a tulip flower, the front with openwork brass plaques and four large round bosses with sun collars echoing the decorative repertoire of the first element, 56cm x 30cm.

Estim. 300 - 500 GBP

Lot 76 - MONUMENTS OF INDIA: THREE BLACK-AND-WHITE PHOTOGRAPHS OF GWALIOR'S ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARKS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Raja Lala Deen Dayal (Indian Photographer, 1844 – 1905), Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India, ca. 1880s Comprising three albumen silver prints showcasing different archaeological and architectural landmarks of Gwalior including sculptural reliefs preserved at the Teli ka Mandir, an 8th - 9th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and the Matrikas located within the Gwalior Fort; and two views of the makbara (mausoleum) of Muhammad Ghous, one from the courtyard with its characteristic sloping roof and geometric jali screens, and the latter of the steps leading to the mausoleum's inner chamber, each print signed 'DD' and numbered respectively 3203, 3206, and 3499, mounted, glazed and framed, each 38.5cm x 42cm including the frame. Raja Lala Deen Dayal is considered one of the most prominent Indian photographers of the 19th century. His career as a commissioned photographer did not start until the mid-1870s; but by his passing, he had set up studios in Indore, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. After gaining great popularity among British citizens for his photographs of the 1875 - 1876 Royal Tour of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Sir Lepel Griffin requested Deen Dayal to join him on his journey through the central regions of India (Bundelkhand) in 1880s, to photograph and record the local ancient architecture and archaeological sites. This experience yielded a portfolio of 86 photographs, known as "Famous Monuments of Central India".

Estim. 300 - 500 GBP

Lot 77 - MONUMENTS OF INDIA: TWO BLACK-AND-WHITE PHOTOGRAPHS OF MUGHAL PAVILIONS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Samuel Bourne (British Photographer, 1834 – 1912), Northern India, ca. 1860s Comprising two albumen silver prints showcasing different Indian architectural landmarks, the photograph by Bourne shot in portrait vertical format and capturing the side of a Mughal-style pavilion overlooking a lake or body of water, with lattice work jali screen in the foreground and elaborate hardstone pietradura floral decorative friezes throughout the upper section of the colonnade and capitals, signed and numbered 'Bourne 1223' on the lower left corner, mounted and framed, 61cm x 51cm including the frame; and another print in landscape horizontal format, unsigned and unmarked, depicting the lavish interior of the Diwan-i-Khas, the Mughal private audience hall in the Agra Red Fort complex, mounted, glazed and framed, each 51cm x 61cm including the frame.

Estim. 600 - 800 GBP

Lot 78 - TWO COMPANY SCHOOL DRAWINGS OF MUGHAL ARCHITECTURAL WHITE MARBLE LANDMARKS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Delhi, Northern India, ca. 1820 - 1840 Opaque pigments, ink, and pencil on paper, comprising a study of Salim Chishti's white marble tomb (1478 - 1572), dedicated to the founder of the Sufi Chishtiyya Order, the mausoleum located within the Jama Masjid in the Mughal complex of Fatehpur Sikri, pasted onto eggshell blue card, the study 17.2cm x 20.3cm, 36cm x 25.4cm including the card; and another similar, depicting the Moti Masjid ('Pearl mosque'), a 17th-century mosque commissioned by Shah Jahan and located inside the Agra Fort complex, possibly the two studies once part of a Company School album celebrating and recording renowned Indian architectural landmarks, pasted onto blush pink card, the study 19cm x 23.4cm, 35.7cm x 25.4cm including the card.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 79 - A CARVED HARDWOOD FOLDABLE QUR’AN STAND AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Northern India, 20th century Of narrow rectangular shape (when folded), the intersecting crossed legs carved in relief on the exterior with a cusped arch on the base surrounded by spraying floral meanderings with foliage and stylised rosettes, the upper square panel repeating a similar composition, the edges crenelated at the top and incised with leaf motifs all around, 45cm x 23cm (when folded).

Estim. 150 - 200 GBP

Lot 80 - AN ENGRAVED BRASS SHI'A GEOMANTIC PLAQUE WITH NUMERALS, AND ALLAH AND THE PROPHET'S NAMES AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Deccan, Central India, 19th century Of circular, slightly convex shape, the front of the plaque engraved in an arrangement typical of divinatory vessels and Islamic magic bowls, with a large square chart in the centre with 225 boxes, each containing miniature naskh inscriptions repeating the names of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad, and 'Ali, the remaining space around the edges in-filled with fifteen rows of numerals, the central row often reserved to inscriptions invoking the Prophet and the first Shi'a Imam, with a circular hoop on the reverse, 11.5cm diam.

Estim. 150 - 200 GBP

Lot 81 - A LACQUERED AND GILT PAPIER-MÂCHÉ KASHMIRI PEN CASE AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Srinagar, Kashmir, North India, late 19th – early 20th century With rounded ends and a sliding tray, painted in polychromes, gilt and lacquered, the top and sides decorated with a lush gold floral bloom with interlocking vegetal stems against a light green ground, the underside and the interior of the sliding tray with blue, yellow and gold-painted floral sprays all set against a bold red ground, 29.5cm long.

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 82 - TWO INDIAN COPPER ALLOY INKWELLS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON India, 18th century and later Comprising a compressed octagonal inkwell, the top slanted and the base stepped, the lid of dome-like shape, featuring concentric rows of thin dotted bands around the edges, 6.5cm x 9cm; and another of circular shape with scalloped profile, the handle designed as an elephant head, the flattened top incised with a long inscription in two different Indian scripts, possibly Kannada (Dravidian language spoken in Karnataka) and Devanagari (Brahmi script mostly spoken in the Northern regions), the small lid slanted and surmounted by a bulbous finial, 9.5cm x 11cm.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 83 - AN OFFICIAL PRINTED INDIAN SANAD (APOSTILLE) FROM THE VICEROY OF INDIA, ARCHIBALD P. WAVELL, FIRST EARL WAVELL (1943 – 1947) AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON New Delhi, Northern India, dated 14 June 1945 Ink and embossed gold pigment on paper, the large printed attestation document (sanad) acting as a commemorative distinction act and official Rao Sahib title appointment to Bhai Valiram Dholandas, a Sindwork merchant active in Hyderabad, dated 14th June 1945 and signed by the then-Viceroy of India, Field Marshal Archibald Percival Wavell, 1st Earl Wavell (in office 1 October 1943 – 21 February 1947), appointed to this office by the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and replaced upon his retirement in 1947 by Lord Mountbatten, stamped in black on the lower left corner and embossed in gold at the top with the royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom featuring the Order of the Garter motto 'Honi soit qui mal y pense', mounted, glazed and framed, 54.5cm x 39cm including the frame.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 84 - TWO REVERSE GLASS PAINTINGS OF INDIAN NOBLEMEN AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly China or Chinese artists in Calcutta (Kolkata), West Bengal, Eastern India, 19th century Opaque pigments, polychrome enamels, white wash, and gold on glass, each vertical-format composition depicting a bust portrait of a member of the Indian courtly elite, comprising a jharokha style bust portrait of an Indian ruler, wearing an elaborate blue and red turban with bejewelled accessories and a tall aigrette at the top, set against a plain grey background, framed, 58cm x 42cm; and another similar, depicting a South Indian ruler, possibly from the Mysore area given his attire and special shaped white turban, seated on a Western high chair in an interior with heavy red curtains, set in an oval medallion against a black background, framed, 57cm x 41.5cm.

Estim. 600 - 800 GBP

Lot 85 - A FINE INDIAN METAL THREAD-EMBROIDERED RED VELVET PROCESSIONAL PARASOL AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Udaipur, Rajasthan, North-Western India, mid to late 19th century The joined circular ground of crimson red velvet heavily and elaborately worked in white and yellow metallic threads wrapped around a silk core in many sewing techniques, including French knots, other various stitches, and spangles, the central medallion on the front portraying the Rajput dynastic symbol of the Udaipur family, a royal sun with a human face, surrounded by a floral stem with lotus flowers and large rosettes alternating pairs of peacocks, birds, and serrated leaves, encased within a frieze of rosette sprays on the outer edge, the reverse almost identical with the small variation of a spangle-stitched crescent moon in the central medallion, edged in metal thread fringe, mounted on a steel rod, now partially bent, 101cm high.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 86 - AN ENGRAVED BRASS GLOBULAR HUQQA BASE AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Deccan or Northern India, 19th century Of typical globular shape with a gadrooned profile, resting on a plain convex base, rising to a short cylindrical neck with flattened protruding rings and a gently everted rim, the exterior incised and chased in shallow relief with vertical bands in-filled with tall cypress trees emerging from rosette heads and stylised fleshy leaves, further horizontal decorative bands with flower buds and foliage around the shoulders and neck, and narrow bands of lotus petals around the edges of the neck and base, 16cm high.

Estim. 600 - 800 GBP

Lot 87 - A BELL-SHAPED BIDRI SILVER-INLAID HUQQA BASE AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Bidar, Deccan, Central India, 19th century Of typical flared bell-like shape, resting on a wide circular base, rising to narrow shoulders and a gently flared cylindrical neck with a splayed outer ring, the exterior clad in traditional Bidri silver inlay featuring a wide decorative band with lobed arches in-filled with a lush floral bloom of roses, marigolds and foliage, set against a chequered ground, a similar composition decorating the neck, the rest of the body decorated with overlapping horizontal bands alternating scrolling floral and pointy leaf meanderings, the base 18cm diam., the huqqa 19.5cm high.

Estim. 600 - 800 GBP

Lot 88 - A BIDRI SILVER-INLAID TRAY AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Bidar, Deccan, Central India, second half 19th century Of rectangular shape, resting on four slightly splayed bracket feet, with a gently everted rim, the interior decorated with concentric bands featuring flower heads and foliage in the centre, encased within a repeating star-shaped grid, followed by a thin chevron band, and further stylised foliage and peacock feather designs around the rim, the crenelated lower edges inlaid with silver rosettes, the base with old inventory stickers, 3.5cm x 24.5cm x 18cm.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 89 - A REVERSE GLASS PAINTING OF AN INDIAN ARMORIAL TRIUMPH AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Lahore, or Southern India, late 19th century Opaque pigments, polychrome enamels, white wash, and gold leaf on glass, the vertical-format composition depicting an armorial triumph featuring a central lotus pedestal resting on a pair of facing lions, scrolling Western-style acanthus leaves, and winged cherubs, surmounted by the talismanic Hamsa hand covered in heavily encrusted necklaces and jewellery, flanked by a pair of parakeets regardant and a caparisoned parasol at the top, the complete armoury comprising a plethora of traditional Indian arms and armours including katar daggers, Rajput dhal shields, Deccani maces, tulwar swords, Punjabi chakram quoits, and even whips, the frieze at the bottom of the foreground with a group of daily vessels and bottles, framed, 44cm x 38cm including the frame.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 90 - A PIERCED COPPER SHI'A 'ALAM (STANDARD) AND A HINDU STEEL FINIAL WITH SPIKES AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Deccan and Southern India, 18th century and later Comprising a pierced copper sheet standard ('alam) of typical drop-like shape, the interior decorated with the name of the Prophet Muhammad 'Rasul Allah' (God's Messenger) and small roundels at the top invoking the first Shi'a Imam, 'Ali, 37cm high; and a forged steel finial with a circular spiral in the centre irradiating five arrow-like spikes in all the main direction, 50.5cm high.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 91 - TWO INDIAN STEEL SUFI CRUTCHES WITH ANIMAL HEADS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Deccan or Northern India, 19th century Comprising a typical T-shaped crutch or armrest staff, usually associated with mystics, Sufis, and ascetics, with a bent and upward-curved handle, the handle's terminals and the base designed in the shape of stylised dragon or makara heads, 41.5cm high; and another similar, with a tapering, coiled shaft, the curved handle's terminals with bird heads, 49cm high.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 92 - A CARVED WHITE HARDSTONE PISTOL-GRIP DAGGER HILT AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Northern India, 18th - 19th century Carved in the round, possibly made of calcite or a white quartz with brownish inclusions, designed with a typical pistol-grip rounded pommel at the top and symmetric upward-turned quillons on the base, decorated throughout with traditional floral motifs and dense foliage reminiscent of Mughal 17th and 18th-century examples, 11.5cm x 5cm.

Estim. 500 - 700 GBP

Lot 93 - A STEEL CHILANUM DAGGER HILT AND A STEEL TULWAR SWORD HILT WITH PARROT HEADS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Northern and Southern India, 18th and 19th century Comprising a typical South Indian X-shaped steel chilanum dagger hilt, the grip with a bulging diamond-shaped element in the middle, the upper section with two rounded, opposite-facing parrot heads, 13.4cm high; and a North Indian tulwar sword hilt with a sinuous knuckle guard terminating in a flower bud, the T-shaped quillon with rounded knobs on each side, the grip and pommel designed in the shape of a parrot body and head respectively, 16.5cm high.

Estim. 200 - 400 GBP

Lot 94 - AN INDIAN OPENWORK STEEL KATAR DAGGER HILT AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON India, 18th - early 19th century The bladeless hilt of typical shape, featuring tapering rectangular sidebars terminating in the form of cusped arches, their centres with overlapping bands of pierced lattice work and their ends chased with stylised lotus flower blossoms, with a bulbous double grip in the middle chased with flowers, and a pointy forte with a bulbous base and a cusped floral tip, 23.5cm long.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 95 - TWO INDIAN STEEL AXE HEADS (TABARZIN) AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Northern India, 18th century Comprising a double axe head, each side with a steel crescentic cutting edge, joint in the middle, the cheeks incised with an elaborate arabesque pattern with foliage and floral scrolls, 26cm x 20.5cm; and a plain single axe head, accompanied by a pierced and worked brass mount, 18.5cm x 20.5cm.

Estim. 300 - 500 GBP

Lot 96 - A FINE GOLD-DAMASCENED (KOFTGARI) STEEL WARRIOR SET WITH A BODY ARMOUR PLATE AND ARMGUARDS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Lahore, Mughal India, late 18th - early 19th century Comprising a rectangular forged steel breastplate, the central field with a raised arabesque medallion with stylised foliage spraying further to half medallions on the four sides and each corner, the borders enhanced with gold koftgari decorative bands featuring scrolling lotus flowers, lush serrated leaves, and dense vegetal meanderings, towards the centre a narrow fretwork band with cross in-filled squares, with six buckle fittings in the form of cusped palmettes, 29cm x 22.5cm; and a pair of matching steel armguards with silver mounts around the edges, separated in two hinged section, decorated with analogous raised arabesque medallions on the front and back, as well as dense koftgari floral vines around the edges, each with four buckle fittings in the form of cusped palmettes, each 32.5cm x 10.5cm. Provenance: Bonhams New Bond Street, London, 13 October 2005, lot 456. The variety and vibrancy of the koftgari floral meanderings on the borders of this armour set show clear analogies with another steel cuirass side plate (chahar aina) part of the V&A Museum Collection (acc. no. 3184(IS)) and attributed to 19th-century Gwalior. That said, this forged steel plate does not present any raised decoration, unlike the present example. This is instead visible in the form of a vegetal grid on a pair of Mughal dastana (armguards), in the same Museum collection (acc. no. 794&A-1869), attributed to 19th-century Lahore. This attribution seems well fitting for our set too, given the city's renowned reputation for high-quality metal productions, both in the Mughal period and throughout the 19th century, featuring a typical Persian influence in their decorative repertoire.

Estim. 1 500 - 2 000 GBP

Lot 97 - THREE MUGHAL ENGRAVED STEEL TORADAR (MATCHLOCK GUN) STEEL BARRELS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Possibly Lahore or Punjab, Northern India, 18th century Each of typical tapering cylindrical shape, with a wider, rounded breech and a gently fluted, everted muzzle, each steel barrel profusely engraved and chiselled with a variety of vegetal, floral, and animal motifs, comprising one with dense animal menagerie, featuring several horizontal bands in-filled with peacocks, lions, tigers, and animals of preys, on the muzzle a small rectangular cartouche inscribed in undeciphered pseudo-Arabic characters, possibly a form of free-hand Urdu or local dialect, the breech incised in correspondence of a large eagle with three lines of Devanagari script reading 'Raj Samadhi Pur Samadh...' and the serial number 608, 130cm long; another barrel engraved with interlocking rosette trellis, buti leaves (paisley), and vegetal arabesques, 126cm long; and the last one with tall cypress trees and rosette roundels alternating bands of foliage and palmette leaves, 116cm long. For an analogous steel toradar barrel engraved with animal and floral motifs reminiscent of the ones encountered on the surfaces of the present lot, please see the Royal Collection Trust (RCIN 38421). This matchlock gun, currently exhibited in the ballroom of Sandringham House, is attributed to Mughal 18th-century Lahore, and it was presented to King Edward VII, then Prince of Wales, during his tour of India in 1875-76. Appreciated for their intricate decorations and exotic designs, Mughal steel barrels, often unmounted and deprived of their wooden stocks, became prized possessions in 19th-century Europe, forming a relevant category in the collections of arms lovers.

Estim. 600 - 800 GBP

Lot 98 - A SILVER-INLAID KOFTGARI STEEL GUNPOWDER FLASK WITH LION'S HEAD AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Northern India, mid to late 19th century Of typical crescent-like shape, with an upward-turned, curved stopper, the upper part designed as a feline's head, possibly a lion or a tiger, with turquoise eyes, the steel body heavily inlaid with silver vegetal scrolls, minute leaves, and stylised flower heads, approximately 8.6cm x 12.3cm.

Estim. 400 - 600 GBP

Lot 99 - A SIKH SILVER AND GOLD-INLAID KOFTGARI STEEL BELT BUCKLE AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Punjab, Northern India, 19th century Of narrow rectangular shape, made of two parts of steel sliding in opposite directions and revealing a concealed blade, the gold-damascened front of the buckle decorated with two wide bands of rosette scrolls encasing a single line of Gurmukhi script relating to the Deg Teg Fateh Sikh slogan (Victory to Charity and Arms), also the title of an anthem in the Punjabi language embodying the dual obligations of the Khalsa, the reverse with typical silver-inlaid chevron patterns, 8.5cm x 4.5cm. The Gurmukhi inscription reads as follows: Deg Teg jag me dou chale Rakkhyo moye aap, avar na daley ('The World has Two Aspects, Deg - Charity and Teg - Sword, fighting for a good cause; oh Lord protect me so that enemies can't harm me!')

Estim. 200 - 300 GBP

Lot 100 - SIX INDIAN STEEL FLINT STRIKERS WITH PAIRS OF DUCKS AND LIONS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Mughal Northern India, late 18th and 19th century Each cast in a slightly varying shape and size, comprising three openwork specimens with pairs of ducks, either facing each other or set back to back, each pierced flint section with a frieze of repeating ogival arches reminiscent of Mughal architecture, the largest 8.4cm x 10.2cm; and another three examples with pairs of lions couchant, either facing each other or set back to back, one striker with an openwork frieze, the latter two solid, and one of them with a pair of elephants in relief facing one another and upward-curled terminals, the largest 5.2cm x 13cm.

Estim. 500 - 700 GBP

Arts of India and the Islamic Lands

Azca Auctions - +442039116741 - Email