Mehrgarh Bichrome Cup

A piriform ceramic vase with everted rim and discoid foot, circumferential painted bands of waves and vertical hatching around the shoulder, a procession of stylised or mythical creatures to the equator. 455 grams, 16.5 cm high



Acquired 1990s. English private collection. Property of an Essex gentleman.

A hand-coloured miniature of a landscape with central cultivated area marked off by stones; at the centre, a nimbate figure wearing an elaborate headdress and richly coloured robes is shown kneeling beside a tree and extending on hand towards it; restricted use of gold paint on the rim of the nimbus; deep blue reveal and outer dense florid border with (empty) title panel above. 2.4 grams, 18 x 12.2 cm



Acquired from the U.K. art market. Private Scottish collection.

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.