A small bidri stem or bud vase. East Indian. Early 20th century. 6 1/2 inches high. Good condition.

A finely painted 19th century Indian manuscript leaf depicting a nighttime elephant ride by torchlight. Sight size: 9 inches by 6 inches. A slight vertical rub in the image area just to the right of the elephant (not terribly detracting), otherwise in good condition.

A finely appointed and carved rosewood (probably Sheesham wood) small tantalus box. Indian, British Raj period - 19th century. With four custom blown glass bottles with monogrammed old Sheffield silver plate tops - original to the box. Original key. Approximately 4 3/4 x 4 3/4 x 4 inches high. As this object is trimmed with 19th century Indian ivory, though original to the object, we can sell it only within the state of Maryland unless you can obtain acceptable CITES certification at your expense. As the box is made of organic materials from the 19th century, there is movement and minor loss from drying and shrinkage of the materials over much time. It is otherwise in good condition though missing one of four feet (which may have been added later in any event). A good conservator, retained by the buyer, could be expected to reconcile movement of the materials.

Kashmiri kangri in typical Mughal dynasty form (coal fueled warmer). Also sometimes called kanger or kangar. Used inside overcoat-like cloak (gingerly if you can imagine) or as a hand warmer if more form-fitting attire. It is difficult to imagine a metal example would have been used as such. This example may have served an alternative purpose. Metalworked examples of the form are not common - the typical materials being reed covered pottery (insulating one from burns.) Later, Raj silver services on rare occasion used the kangri form for service pieces such as creamers, sugars, tea pots, tea dumps, etc. We believe the present example should be at least early 19th century. This would make a wonderfully unusual and antique conversation piece. The whole with details crisply chiseled into the repousse decoration. The openworked, upper portion with a pair of pea fowl parading along the rim above a band of flower heads. The lower, bowl portion with similarly chiseled decoration of intricate vine and flowers among saz leaf paisleys forming a regular pattern atop a rather finely stippled ground. A flower head band again appears above a decorated, waisted foot with lattice worked, splayed rim. The beautiful verdigris patina appears to be an old, authentic patina acquired naturally over some time. We have found depth and persistence of a patina combined with an absence of metal corrosion to be a good indication of authentic, old patinas. The condition is good. A couple small areas of brighter green in the patina suggest a relatively high copper content. Color consistent with this premise shows from a minuscule 1.5mm point of disturbed patina on the side and some more along the foot rim. A bend along the foot rim suggests a commensurate degree of malleability. It could be used with potpourri or as a stand alone decorative work of art. Height: 6 5/8 inches (16.8cm)