19th Jun, 2025 12:00
Arts of India and the Islamic Lands
178
AN INDIAN EROTIC BRASS NUTCRACKER
Possibly Tamil Nadu, Southern India, early 19th century
AN INDIAN EROTIC BRASS NUTCRACKER
PROPERTY FROM A DISTINGUISHED LONDON FLAT
Possibly Tamil Nadu, Southern India, early 19th century
The small-scale nutcracker with two brass handles cast in the round in the shape of a loving couple, the male figure with a small crescentic steel blade on his hip, mostly worn out, portrayed holding his beloved's fulsome, round breasts, their attires typical of the Southern regions of India and partially reminiscent to the costumes of Chola bronze statues, a pair of parakeets resting on each lover's shoulder as a symbol of their bond and devotion for each other.
10.5cm high
An almost identical example successfully sold in these Rooms last year, 20 June 2024, lot 37.
Estimated at £300 - £500
AN INDIAN EROTIC BRASS NUTCRACKER
PROPERTY FROM A DISTINGUISHED LONDON FLAT
Possibly Tamil Nadu, Southern India, early 19th century
The small-scale nutcracker with two brass handles cast in the round in the shape of a loving couple, the male figure with a small crescentic steel blade on his hip, mostly worn out, portrayed holding his beloved's fulsome, round breasts, their attires typical of the Southern regions of India and partially reminiscent to the costumes of Chola bronze statues, a pair of parakeets resting on each lover's shoulder as a symbol of their bond and devotion for each other.
10.5cm high
An almost identical example successfully sold in these Rooms last year, 20 June 2024, lot 37.
Auction: Arts of India and the Islamic Lands, 19th Jun, 2025
Our specialist auction Arts of India and the Islamic Lands is now online for you to browse, peruse and fall in love with your next antique.
Among the highlights, this sale vaunts a remarkable selection of Rajput Schools paintings and an illustrated loose folio from a Timurid Haft Paykar series, all part of a private Canadian collection; several gem-studded Indian necklaces, treasured heirlooms of a local family; a notable group of Islamic manuscripts, including a geomantic tome attributed to the Nubian alchemist Dhul-Nun al-Misri; and several lots of Persian Qajar lacquer belonging to the heir of a British diplomatic family in office under Sir Denis Wright in Tehran between 1971 - 1973.
Our selected lots preview starts next week, on Tuesday 3rd June, and the full view is going to take place from Friday 13th June until the sale day.
Mark your calendars and come to see us!
Viewing
Viewing:
13th June - 10:00 - 17:00
14th June - 11:00 - 16:00
15th June - 11:00 - 16:00
16th June - 10:00 - 17:00
17th June - 10:00 - 17:00
18th June - 10:00 - 17:00
