Balaji antiques R. T. Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka

From northern Karnataka. Brass made with the lost wax casting process or ‘cire perdue’. Late 18th century. Depicts Shiva as the protector. Height 13” Width 8”

Wooden with movable arms. 1900s. Theses figures would have been dressed as gods and goddesses in Hindu religious festivals. Height 31” Width 10”

Wooden, polychrome from Tamil Nadu. Early 19th century. Dwarapalakas traditionally appear in pairs in Hindu architecture outside the temple door or/and sanctum as gatekeepers or guardians of the deity. These guardians are fearsome warriors or giants and are often seen holding a mace, as this one is. This dwarapalaka’s tongue is sticking slightly out which is a warning mudra, ‘be careful I am here.’ Height 42” Width 18”

Chrome plated brass and cast iron. 1900s. Working order, completely rewired. English made for a Bangalore dentist. Height 31” Width 10”

Used for a kind of ‘spirit’ worship in the coastal area of Karnataka and Kerala. Bell metal. 19th century. In Bhuta ceremonies men dress up and wear masks like this and become possessed or oracles of the ‘spirit’. There are some 350 or so Bhutas or ‘spirits’ which are broadly divided into heroes of the past who met untimely ends, animals, the elements and of some of which the origins are not known. Height 12” Width 13”

Wild jackwood. 1850s. This eighteen draw chest (16 carved and two plain at the bottom) would have been used to store traditional Ayurvedic or Unani medicine. These chests would have been in establishments that were not just pharmacies but would also have a doctor who would diagnose on site.