Deccan Bronze Ewer with Cat-Head Handle

Modelled in the round with heavily-lidded eyes, wavy hair and ushnisha; Mounted on a custom-made stand. 315 grams total, 97 mm including stand



Acquired in the London art market. Private collection, 1970s.

Carved in the half-round head of a Bodhisattva (probably Maitreya) with fine detailing to the arched brow, aquiline nose, neat moustache and full lips; the eyes heavily lidded, urna to the forehead, long open lobes to the ears; the hair in multi-stranded curling locks gathered into an ushnisha with brow-band below; heavily cleaned, conserved, and mounted on a custom-made stand; supplied with original old wooden base with collector's label: 'Head of Bodhisattva / Fine grain schist / Gandhara, Northwest Pakistan / 4th century'. 14.3 kg total, 34 cm high



From the private collection of Richard Kelton (1929-2019), California, USA, acquired in November 1982, thence by descent. with Abell Auctions, 25 September 2022, no.422 (£25,000) Acquired by the present owner at the above sale. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12309-222166.

Rectangular card with inked border and reveal, liquid gold border with flower and tendril motif to each corner; detailed scene with a princess in the foreground advancing left but looking right towards three peacocks following her; in each of her hands a cord with a bell; waterway extending from centre to right edge and returning across lower edge, with waterlilies and other vegetation, swans (right) and ducks (top); to the rear, a group of trees, and another at right beyond the waterway; at the middle top, trees, rocky hills and a city in the distance; liquid gold to the princess's outer garments, black ink outline to her hair and face. 19 grams, 26.2 x 21 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Scottish private collection.