Indian Folk Art

A substantial and beautifully crafted antique walking stick, likely Anglo-Indian and dating to the late 19th or very early 20th century. #5637 This example is notably heavy, solid,...

Splendid intricately hand carved large heavyweight wooden square printing block from Asia Traditionally used for hand held block printing ink or dye to textiles and paper Fully fun...

A truly gorgeous and engaging South Indian Asian (India) Pichwai Painting featuring Lord Krishna (sometimes incarnated as Lord Shreenath) - the Hindu God of protection, compassion, t...

A 10-strand necklace hand-crafted from red-orange Naga beads from the early 20th century and strung with natural fibers. Necklaces such as these were a stat...

A wonderful, highly erotic, rather fascinating, and somewhat unique large pair of Indian (India) Kama Sutra bronze sculptural figures (The Kama Sutra is an ancient Indian Sanskrit text on sexuality, eroticism, and emotional fulfillment in life.) Nicely detailed with a gorgeous patina that is only acquired over time. From an estate of a world traveler art and artifacts collector. The sculpture is relatively heavy. Would be a great addition to any Indian/ South East Asian art...

18th-Century Rajasthani Indian Carved Wooden Box. Intricately hand-carved with geometric and diamond-pattern decoration, featuring a hinged lid and original iron clasp. A distincti...

This modern Viennese design rug is a refined expression of early 20th-century European aesthetics, drawing on the elegance of the Viennese Secession and the evolving language of Art ...

This striking modern Art Deco-inspired rug features a luminous golden-yellow field enlivened by whimsical animal figures dancing along the side borders. Rendered in a playful Art Dec...

Vintage Raj Hand-Crafted Stuffed Cotton Embroidered Elephant, India, 1950. Anglo Raj vintage hand-crafted stuffed cotton embroidered elephant, India, 1950. Handmade in Rajasthan, India, colorful fabric elephant toy. Vintage small elephant stuffed cotton embroidered and decorated with small mirrors, great collector piece. Anglo Raj, small stuffed elephant...

Colorful patchwork textile with 20 intricate squares, handmade from India. Use as wall hanging, bedspread or throw.

A fabulous piece of hand-painted Folk Art created in India. This painting depicts a traditional Rajasthani man in traditional dress. He wears a decorative yellow and pink dress and s...

Antique Anglo-Indian Rajasthani Painted Mughal Scene Folding Decorative Chair C.1920 A wonderful decorators piece. Structurally sound, missing back support hooks, therefore recommen...

Raj large hand-hammered and hand-painted metal vessel, originally used to collect waters of the three sacred rivers, the Ganges and Yamuna Sarasvati. This large jug is much more than...

A South Indian (Kerala) wooden boat prow from the mid-20th century. This hand carved boat prow from Kerala is adorn with pierced spiral-carved volute, suppor...

Hand-carved wooden Indian tribal storage chest box with hand-wrought iron hinges and straps, and handle. Early 20th century, Northern India.

Large Bald Eagle clutching USA Flag and crest wall decor. This large patriotic eagle wall plaque is a beautiful piece made with hand crafted polished aluminum very good quality and w...

A monumental Hindu Nandi temple gate-guardian architectural ornament, born in India, dating to the 19th century, hand carved and painted, richly detailed, polychrome decorated, the wooden sculpture depicting Nandi, a sacred bull, gatekeeper, and vahana religious deity figure. Provenance: Acquired from The Neiman Marcus Corporate Art Collection. Details below. Dimensions: (approx) 49.5" x 43" x 12" An important religious folk art work, the Nandi is of carved wood and gessoed cloth, then hand-painted. In Hindu religion, Nandi is the mythical mount of Shiva. The four legs represent truth, righteousness, peace and love. More than a means of conveyance, Nandi is considered Shiva's constant companion on all his travels, so much so that in any temple dedicated to Shiva, there is a sculpture of Nandi. This symbol is a deity in its own right, and in India there are temples dedicated exclusively to Nandi. In Hindu symbolism, the bull represents both strength and ignorance. The white or light color of the bull symbolizes purity and justice. Symbolically, the seated Nandi towards sanctum in Shiva temples, represents an individual jiva (soul) and the message that the jiva should always be focused on the Parameshwara. From the yogic perspective, Nandi is the mind dedicated to Shiva, the absolute. In other words, to understand and absorb light, the experience, and the wisdom is Nandi, which is the guru within. The fact that Shiva uses it as a mount symbolizes how this divine figure removes ignorance while instilling strength and wisdom. A superb example, the life size work is in great overall shape, and presents wonderfully, having beautifully aged patina over the whole, highly desirable original, worn, rustic, naturally distressed, chippy paint, craquelure finish, that's delicate, and enhances the artistic antique character and rich historic depth. Detailed Condition Report: Fragile / delicate by design. Loss to one ear, age related checking and separation to carvings, fabric to hind quarters is released and tattered with minor loss, rubbing to paint throughout with wear indicative of age and use; later grey painted mounting blocks are attached to back and hooves. White glove in-home shipping/delivery available. Pickup available near Dallas, Texas Additional Provenance: Property from the Neiman Marcus Collection. Acquired from Heritage Auction, Design District Gallery, Dallas, Texas. From The Dallas Morning Newspaper; April 12th, 2021 Neiman Marcus is selling some of its history and valuables that have been displayed and stored for decades as part of the luxury retailer’s corporate art collection. The Neiman Marcus corporate art collection dates back to 1951, when Stanley Marcus (1905-2002), a life long avid art collector, purchased Mariposa, a large mobile by Alexander Calder and started a long tradition of buying original artwork for new stores as they opened. The Mariposa sold at a Sotheby’s auction last month fetching $18.2 million. The items are being offered through Sotheby's auction house, NYC, New York and Heritage Auction, Dallas, Texas. Many of the pieces were personally collected by Stanley Marcus from the 1960s through the 1980s. Some of the pieces are from corporate spaces, stores and the company’s archives, among the items are important antique textiles, tribal robes...

Antique Indian Zardozi Embroidered Textile Panels (Framed Pair) A fine pair of antique Indian textile panels, intricately worked in silver-thread zardozi embroidery and highlighted ...

Antique Indo-Mahal carpet. This piece was woven in India using a Persian Mahal Design in the 1920's. Beige background color with beautiful allover floral design. Size: 12' x 21'.

A beautiful hand painted portrait of an elephant in full Indian wedding regalia. The animal is shown mid-stride and is covered in a green, red, and gold cloth. A blue and gold styliz...

Vintage wooden Indian toy horse on wheels, circa 1970s. The piece has a latch in the front that allows you to rotate the top portion open to a hidden sto...

This exquisite hand-carved White Sapphire Buddha Head from India radiates tranquility and refined craftsmanship. Sculpted from a single natural White S...

This rug is part of Agra Rugs collection. This vintage Indian Agra rug from 1945 embodies refined simplicity with a soft, understated elegance. Handwoven entirely from cotton, it di...

Hand embroidered and quilted textile from North India. Mughal silk and metal threaded tapestry. Backed with black linen. Fanciful Asian folk designs this d...

Man’s Ceremonial Headdress Naga people, Northeast India Probably 19th century Cane, yellow orchard fiber, dyed goat hair plume A handwritten...

Anglo Indian hardwood campaign or dowry chest. This has brass straps, handles and large hinges on the interior. The lock has the original key. The chest is in good condition. It show...

This rug is part of Dhurrie Rugs collection. This vintage Indian Dhurrie rug captivates with its playful geometry and refreshing palette. Handwoven in the mid-20th century, the piec...

Antique Tamil Nadu massive ferocious mythical lion (Yali) and hunter sculpture - hand carved from a single piece of wood (likely teak or walnut) - multi color painted finish with fin...

A fine set of assorted ancient jewelry. Likely Gandharan in origin. In verdigris covered bronze. Comprising 1 beaded necklace, 3 bracelets, 1 signet ring, 2 band rings,, 2 pendants, 4 rams head buckles...

This unusual wooden vessel is an early 20th century milk pot from the Himalayan regions of northern India or Nepal. Textured by an antique patina, the rustic pot is carved from a sin...

Wooden pad with trefoil patterns used to decorate fabrics. India, early 20th century.

Adorable vintage paper mache rhino from India. See images for details

This rug is part of Agra Indian Rugs collection. A truly magnificent example of late 19th-century Indian textile artistry, this oversized Agra rug from circa 1880 captures the grand...

Vintage Raj embroidered large camel toy, India, 1950. Handmade in Rajasthan, India, colorful fabric camel toy. Vintage oversized camel stuffed cotton embroidered and decorated with...

Six early 20th century hair detanglers from Kerala and South Karnataka, India. An unusual group of six hair detanglers found exclusively in Southern India. The carved wooden example...

This rug is part of Dhurrie Rugs collection. This vintage 1950s Indian Dhurrie rug is a refined expression of mid-century design, combining rhythmic patterning with a serene, tonal ...

A charming pair of antique Indian teak "dog gates" with iron bars from the early 20th century that were skillfully repainted at some point with elephant and l...

This rug is part of Animal Motif Rugs collection. This striking modern rug reimagines the traditional Tibetan tiger motif with a bold, contemporary sensibility. Hand-knotted in a lu...

A rare antique Indian infant cradle, handcrafted circa 1900 and most likely originating from a rural community in western or northwestern India. The carved geometric decoration, dark hardwood construction, arched rocking supports, and woven sleeping platform suggest an association with the vernacular furniture traditions of Rajasthan or Gujarat. The cradle is composed of two tall, curved end frames joined by substantial horizontal wooden rails. Its narrow central bed retains an early woven lattice made from natural fiber, rope, or possibly rawhide. A textile or thin padded covering would originally have been laid over this suspended foundation before an infant was placed inside. The curved lower ends allowed the cradle to be rocked gently from side to side, while the elevated upper rails provided enclosure and protection. Incised geometric patterns decorate the arched wooden standards and lower rails, bringing visual rhythm to an otherwise functional household object. These hand-worked motifs, together with the exposed joinery and straightforward construction, reflect the practical artistry associated with rural Indian furniture. The suspended weave follows the same basic principle found in traditional Indian rope beds, or charpais, adapted here to a compact infant-sized form. Generations of handling and domestic use have given the hardwood a deep brown-black surface with considerable warmth and character. Scratches, softened edges, abrasions, color variations, and irregularities in the carving contribute to its authentic folk-art presence. The natural-fiber bed is distressed, with visible dryness, loosening, breaks, and losses consistent with its age and original use. Measuring approximately 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 12 inches deep, the cradle has a compact yet highly sculptural silhouette. Today, it can be appreciated as an ethnographic collectible, an example of Indian vernacular furniture, or a distinctive decorative object in an eclectic interior. It could also be displayed as a low textile or blanket holder, provided no weight is placed on the surviving antique weave. The precise Indian state and community of origin cannot be confirmed without documented provenance. Rajasthan or Gujarat is offered as a qualified attribution based on comparable cradle forms, geometric carving, and woven construction. Because of its age, distressed fiber lattice, and antique construction, this cradle is offered strictly as a collectible decorative object. It is not represented as compliant with contemporary nursery standards and should not be used for an infant, child, or animal. A compelling survivor of Indian domestic life, combining sculptural form, hand-incised decoration, woven craftsmanship, and a richly aged surface. Creator: Unknown Indian Artisan Attribution: Probably Rajasthan or Gujarat Style: Folk Art — Of the Period Secondary Style: Tribal, Primitive, Vernacular Materials: Hardwood, Natural Fiber, Rope Techniques: Hand-Carved, Incised, Hand-Woven, Hand-Crafted Place of Origin: India Period: Early 20th Century Date of Manufacture: Circa 1900 Condition: Distressed Dimensions: 26 in H × 26 in W × 12 in D Sold As: Single item Category: More Furniture and Collectibles → Children’s Furniture Distressed antique condition with substantial wear consistent with age and original domestic use. The hardwood displays scratches, abrasions, softened edges, surface variations, and a dark, time-worn patina. The woven natural-fiber bed is dry and fragile, with visible loosening, breaks, and losses. Please examine all photographs carefully. Offered strictly as a decorative and collectible object; not suitable for use by an infant, child, or animal. Antique Indian cradle, Indian baby cradle, tribal infant cradle, carved wood cradle, woven rope cradle, Indian folk furniture, Rajasthan folk art, Gujarat furniture, antique children’s furniture...

This rug is part of Dhurrie Rugs collection. This striking circa 1955 Indian Dhurrie rug exemplifies the refined simplicity and craftsmanship characteristic of mid-century Indian fl...

This exceptional contemporary kilim from the Doris Leslie Blau Collection is a study in color, atmosphere, and artisanal mastery. Hand-woven in India from the finest wool and present...

Late 19th to early 20th century tribal wood paduka sandals, India A sculptural pair of Indian paduka (khadau chappals) sandals with a simple scale pattern and nice encrusted patin...

Modern Art Deco Style Rug by Doris Leslie Blau Size: 11'6" × 13'1" (350 × 398 cm) A contemporary modern hand-knotted wool and silk inspired by Art Deco style carpet. Its field appear...

This rug is part of Dhurrie Rugs collection. A striking example of minimalist elegance, this vintage Indian Dhurrie rug features a rhythmic vertical stripe pattern in soft indigo bl...

This 6' x 9' hand-knotted rug from Jaipur Rugs features a serene blend of white ice and driftwood tones, creating an elegant, calming atmosphere. Made from a luxurious blend of high-...

This rug is part of Animal Motif Rugs collection. This modern Tiger wool rug showcases a subtle yet striking interpretation of the classic tiger-stripe motif. Hand-knotted in soft, ...

This rug is part of Agra Indian Rugs collection. This stunning 1920s oversized Indian Agra rug is a remarkable testament to the artistic grandeur and technical mastery of early 20th...

This rug is part of Dhurrie Rugs collection. This striking vintage Indian Dhurrie rug, dating from the mid-20th century, features a boldly modern yet timeless design composed of alt...

Vintage small embroidered leather elephant ornament India. Asian red and blue handcrafted small leather stuffed elephant collectible toy. Dimensions: 5 x 2 x 3 inches. Great to use a...

This modern flat-weave wool rug presents a serene and contemporary composition defined by alternating sky-blue and cornflower blue vertical stripes. Each stripe exhibits a gentle fea...

This rug is part of Dhurrie Rugs collection. This vintage Indian Dhurrie rug presents a timeless yet understated design, distinguished by its rhythmic horizontal stripes in deep ind...

This rug is part of Modern Abstract Rugs collection. This modern Indian Dhurrie flat-weave rug presents a striking geometric composition in a fresh, maritime palette. Handwoven from...

This rug is part of Abstract Rugs collection. This Contemporary Shag Rug is a luxurious exploration of depth, texture, and nuanced color. Hand-knotted in a dense, high-pile shag, th...

Special hand-made brass fingers. I saw them on the hands of an Indian dancer. Use your imagination... no ref.

This rug is part of Modern Damask Botanical Rugs collection. This exquisite hand-knotted rug, measuring 8′1″ × 9′8″ (246 × 294 cm), is a modern homage to Eastern European decorative...

This striking modern rug draws inspiration from early 20th-century Viennese design, featuring a captivating interplay of color and geometry. The soft wool field presents a cool steel...

This modern traditional-inspired wool rug blends timeless artistry with a contemporary sensibility, drawing on classical motifs while offering a soft, nuanced palette that feels fres...

Impressive antique carved Indian double doors, Made of solid wood and metal with intricate bronze detailed. Absolutely stunning carved wood. It could be used as a garden gate or as a...

This striking flatweave kilim from India pays homage to Turkish modernist design with a minimalist yet mesmerizing aesthetic. Woven using traditional techniques and high-quality wool...

Inspired by the rhythmic geometry of mosaic pool tiles, this contemporary handmade wool rug introduces movement, texture, and artistic sophistication into any interior. Its meticulou...