South East Asian Stone Head

Hollow-formed idol comprising a rectangular base with beaded bands supporting a cuboid block with applied figure to each corner and two sides, each with elbows resting on the upper surface and hands pressed together; forward ledge of the base with supine figure; rear of block with large figure in dhoti with left hand placed across the midriff; some gilding remaining. 1.6 kg, 27.5 cm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Each a broad flat dish with floral motif and fronds. 836 grams total, 17.3-18 cm



Ex Nagel Auction, with official Tek Sing Treasure labels to verso. Accompanied by an illustrated information sheet about the Tek Sing shipwreck.

The Tek Sing (True Star) wreck is one of the famous recovery stories of the 20th century. Sailing from the port of Xiamen (then known as Amoy) in February 1822 the vessel Tek Sing was bound for Jakarta, Indonesia laden with porcelain goods and 1600 Chinese emigrants. The captain decided to pass through the Gaspar Strait, between the Bangka-Belitung Islands, and ran aground on a reef. The vessel sank in about 100 feet of water. The next morning, February 7, an English East Indiaman captained by James Pearl, passing through the same waters, encountered debris and some survivors and managed to rescue about 190 of the latter.

Comprising a bulbous body, conical neck, two lateral strap handles. 190 grams, 11.3 cm



Acquired from Ancient Art, London, UK, in 2011. Ex property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.