4th Jun, 2025 11:00
Indian, Islamic, Himalayan and South-East Asian Art and Greek and Roman Antiquities
191
A BRONZE RITUAL SPRINKLER IN THE FORM OF A COW, INDIA, CIRCA 17TH CENTURY
her head lowered for grazing, a bell attached with a chain to the neck, and a blanket on her back, 11x16x6cm
The function of this object is suggested by the fact that the mouth and the udders are pierced with holes to allow liquid to flow through. It was probably filled through the hole at the back, where the break in the upper part of the tail perhaps suggests an attachment, such as a funnel. Ritual pourers in the form of cows or cows’ heads are commonly seen in Hindu temples, where the sacred image is lustrated with milk or holy water. For various forms of pourer, see Untracht 1993, no.28; Bussabarger & Robins, p. 80 and Jain & Aggarwala 1989, p.40.
Sold for £800
her head lowered for grazing, a bell attached with a chain to the neck, and a blanket on her back, 11x16x6cm
The function of this object is suggested by the fact that the mouth and the udders are pierced with holes to allow liquid to flow through. It was probably filled through the hole at the back, where the break in the upper part of the tail perhaps suggests an attachment, such as a funnel. Ritual pourers in the form of cows or cows’ heads are commonly seen in Hindu temples, where the sacred image is lustrated with milk or holy water. For various forms of pourer, see Untracht 1993, no.28; Bussabarger & Robins, p. 80 and Jain & Aggarwala 1989, p.40.
Auction: Indian, Islamic, Himalayan and South-East Asian Art and Greek and Roman Antiquities, 4th Jun, 2025
Auction Location: London, UK
The sales include sculpture, bronzes, metalwork, textiles and paintings representative of the richly varied styles seen across the Indian subcontinent, from early Buddhist and Jain art to Mughal and European-influenced works of art of the colonial era.
Works of art from all parts of the Islamic world, from Morocco in the west, through the Middle East, Persia and Central Asia to muslim China and South East Asia in the East are included in the sale. Objects range in date from the early centuries of Islam to the early 20th century at a wide range of price levels.
The sales also include Khmer, Thai and Javanese sculpture and bronzes, textiles from the Indonesian islands, Thai ceramics, Burmese lacquer and Buddhist manuscripts. Works of art range from the early Indian-influenced styles from 9th century Java to the elaborate carved and lacquered woodwork from Colonial Burma.
For full details of bibliographic references, see pages 192-193 of the page turning and printed versions of the catalogue.
PUBLIC EXHIBITION:
Sunday 1st June 12pm - 4pm
Monday 2nd June 10am - 8pm
Tuesday 3rd June 10am - 5pm
CONTACT US
Lara Defries
lara.defries@olympiaauctions.com
Mr Arthur Millner
arthur.millner@olympiaauctions.com
Nicholas Shaw
nicholas.shaw@olympiaauctions.com
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PUBLIC EXHIBITION:
Sunday 1st June 12pm - 4pm
Monday 2nd June 10am - 8pm
Tuesday 3rd June 10am - 5pm
