Indus Valley Painted Jar

A substantial carved white limestone mortar with cylindrical body; the mortar with a flat rim, carved circumferential frieze of organic floral motifs to the neck, panels featuring arches surrounded by floral and foliate designs to the body, also a single section of interlaced lozengiform shapes creating octagons enclosing stylised flower heads; a tapering U-section dressed gouge running from base to rim; deep bowl with rounded base which extends approximately one third of the way down the mortar. 94 kg, 52 cm

Fine condition.

Acquired 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman.

A large polychrome painting on cloth depicting the Cosmic Man presenting a cosmic map of the world, ornamented with fish and turtles or geometric forms in alternating concentric rings; temples, meditating figures, trees and animals in the field including elephants, birds, horses, goats and peacocks; framed by a tan border. 5.2 kg, 103.5 x 143cm

Fine condition.

Personal collection of Harmadar Singh Thind; thence by descent. Private family collection of a West London gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.10863-178260.

The Lokapurusha is the man who symbolises the universe in Jain cosmology; the worlds of the gods, humans and the damned are mapped on his body. Urdhva Loka, the world of gods, is situated on his upper chest above his arm bangles. Manushya Loka, the world of men, is represented in the wheel where each concentric circle holds an element of earthly life- rivers, mountains and animals. Adha Loka is the underworld of those burning in purgatory and is usually depicted near the feet of the Lokapurusha.

A watercolour portrait of a nobleman seated in a courtyard, smoking a pipe, line of text above; set in a reveal within a glazed wooden frame. 504 grams, 32 x 24.5 cm

Fine condition.

Acquired on the UK art market, 1980s-1990s. The Woodbridge collection of Indo-Persian art.