Michael Backman Ltd

Rare Asian, Islamic, Colonial & Tribal Decorative antiques.

[michaelbackman]

Be the first to see our latest items by subscribing to our monthly catalogue mail-out list. Simply send us a message with your full name via: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ [email protected] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #asianartinlondon #artinlondon #artmarket #artgallerymayfair #antiquegallerymayfair #artcatalogue #artcollector #collection #iloveindia #michael #michaelbackmanltd #rareantique #lapada #friezemaster #olympia #olympiaartfair #olympiafair #artfairs #author #publishedauthor #gallerist #artgalleries #artgallery #londonartgalleries #calligraphy #printempsasiatique2018 #silver #sinhalese #tamil #srilanka (at London, United Kingdom)

[michaelbackman]

Visit Michael Backman Ltd between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, by appointment only. We are at 20 Hanover Street, Second Floor, London W1S 1YR. We look forward to meeting you. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #michaelbackmanltd #rareantiques #art #artsofasia #backman #silverteapot #antiques #frieze #islamicart #islam #colonialart #asianart #artbasel #baselworld #artbrussels #artcologne #artbaselhongkong #asianartinlondon #parcoursdesmondes #tefaf #tefafmaastricht #maastricht #brafa #tribalart #artpremier #artdafrique #artdasie #knife #artcollecting #instagram (at London, United Kingdom)

[michaelbackman]

Simply click on our bio link to subscribe to our mailing list to receive our monthly catalogue via email. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #asianart #decorativeart #colonialart #londonartgalleries #mayfairgalleries #michaelbackmanltd #antiques #art #london #paris #newyork #tokyo #rome #sanfrancisco #losangeles #beijing #singapore #geneva #berlin #colombo #world #international #cosmopolitan #worldcities #asianartinlondon #pin #srilankanart #calligraphytools #callgraphy (at London, United Kingdom)

[michaelbackman]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Necklace of Early Gold Beads Central Java, Indonesia Early Classical Period, 8th century ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ length: 65.3cm weight: 37.7g ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This necklace of fine gold beads from Java's Early Classical Period comprises dozens of beads of graduated sizes and a variety of shapes and includes beads that are cylindrical, of square or cushion-shaped. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The beads are arranged so that the largest are in the middle of the necklace and those that are smallest and finest are towards the ends. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Each bead is of solid gold rather than gold sheet filled with lack, so each seems appropriately heavy for its size. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Examples of necklaces of related gold beads are illustrated in Geoffroy-Schneiter (2011, p. 249) and Miksic (1990, p. 66). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #gold #goldnecklace #necklace #goldchain #necklaces #jewellery #jewelry #goldjewellery #goldjewelry #goldbeads #beads #bead #artbasel #baselworld #frieze #tefaf #collectingantiques #collectingart #collectin #importantcollections #goldcollections (at Regent Street)

[michaelbackman]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Rare Cast Metal Mold for Making Votive Plaques Java, Indonesia 8th-9th century ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ height: 8.7cm, width: 7cm, thickness: 1.1cm, weight: 503g ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Metal casts for making votive clay molds at religious sites in Indonesia are relatively rare. They are more typically associated with Tibet and Mongolia. Islam spread through almost all of Indonesia from the 13th century and by the 16th century, the archipelago had largely converted, so the use of such molds had largely ceased by this period. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This example of heavy cast metal, shows a relatively complex scene of a seated deity (possibly Chunda) with a flaming halo, two attendants and two stupas. The lower section also has two lines of (now illegible) script - probably sanskrit. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #mold #votive #votiveplaque #java #javanese #indonesia #indonesian #tara #goddess #buddha #chunda #buddhist #buddhism #buddhique #buddhistic #meditation #mindfulness #enlightenment #path #wisdom #asianartinlondon #asianart #southeastasia #printempsasiatiqueparis (at Regent Street)

[michaelbackman]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Mounted Ivory Kris Hilt Malay People, Northern Malaysia 19th century ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ length (without stand): 7.5cm ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This fine hilt for a traditional Malay kris has been carved from ivory. It has a stylised zoomorphic form usually referred to as a jawa demam. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The condition is very good. There are no losses and no repairs. The ivory has a yellowing patina. The hilt has been mounted on a blackened wood stand. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #malay #malaypeople #malaysia #malaykris #kris #keris #krishilt #krishandle #carving #sculpture #arms #weapons #dagger #sword #knife #instagram (at Regent Street)

[michaelbackman]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Gold Finger Ring Engraved with Sacred Sri Symbols Java, Indonesia circa 9th century ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ outer diameter: 2.7cm, weight: 21.32g, ring size: P (UK), 7 3/4 (US) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This fine ring of heavy, solid, high-carat gold has been cast and then the design on the bezel has been engraved. The engraving is of auspicious symbols associated with Sri or Dewi Sri, the deity in the Hindu pantheon also known as Lakshmi, and who on Java became associated with rice and fertility. Accordingly, the wearing of such a ring was thought to bring good luck and plenty. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #gold #indonesiangold #goldjewellery #goldjewelry #ring #goldring #jewellery #jewelry #artdubai #artbasel #baselworld #asianart #indonesianart (at Regent Street)

[michaelbackman]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Fine Mughal Gold & Gem-Set White Nephrite Jade Pendant (Haldili) North India 18th-19th century ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ length: 4.6cm, height: 3.5cm, weight: 17.47g ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This very fine pendant (haldili) is carved from a single, translucent piece of white or 'mutton fat' nephrite jade (the colour is more a pale greyish-green and with excellent uniformity). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It is from northern India and probably made in Delhi. It accords with Mughal tastes, although could be worn by both Muslims and Hindus. It is decorated with a central bird motif among a tree-of-life pattern which comprises a shrub of foliage and flowers emanating from a vase (guldan). According to Bala Krishnan & Kumar (1999, p. 255), the motif represents everlasting life to Muslims, and to Hindus the tree supports the Universe and preserves life. Muslims believed that such a device could protect against heart palpitations and needed to be 'activated' before being effective. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #jade #nephrite #haldili #jadependant #whitenephrite #pendant #mughal #mughaljewellery #mughaljewelry #jewellery #jewelry #india #indian #maastricht #london #paris #newyork #beijing #asianartinlondon #asianart #art #antiques #instagram (at Regent Street)

[michaelbackman]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Fine Chief's Hippopotamus Ivory Amulet Pendant (Gikhokho) Pende People, Congo early 19th century ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ length: 6cm, width: 4cm ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This pendant is notable for its age and superb wear and patina. It has excellent feel in the hand with its contours having been worn smooth by wear and use. It is among the best examples we have seen on account of its age, fine reddish colour and patina. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This type of pendant is known as a gikhokho or a minyaki and was won by initiated Pende men only. This particular example, with its three-pointed crown, is said to have been meant for a chief. Examples without points were meant for commoners. They were won around the neck suspended from cords or strings of beads. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The face has slightly downcast eyes, coffee-bean lips, a broad nose and a pointy chin. Small, decorative roundels have been drilled into the face in a symmetrical array, this being additional detail that most extant examples do not have. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #pende #pendant #carving #tribalart #congo #gikhokho #artpremier #artdafrique #artafricain #parcoursdesmondes #tribalartlondon #tribalparis #masterpiece #masterpiecelondon #london #quaibranly (at Regent Street)

[michaelbackman]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Colonial Silver Mug India, probably Calcutta circa 1840 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ height: 9.2cm, weight: 172g ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This silver mug was made in colonial India in the first half of the 19th century. Of baluster form, with a flared foot, and with an 'S'-shape handle, it is of particularly pleasing proportions. It is beautifully chased on the foot and over the swollen base with acanthus leaves and floral sprays. The interior retains its original gilding and this has softened with age providing a fine contrast between the glowing interior and the silver exterior. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A similar though not quite as fine example attributed to the Calcutta firm of silversmiths Hamilton & Co is illustrated in Wilkinson (1999, p. 66). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ No obvious assay or maker's marks are present. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #colonial #colonialart #colonialsilver #silver #silvermug #mug #calcutta #colonialindia #indiansilver #indianart #indianantiques #history #culture #heritage #printempsasiatiqueparis #asianartinlondon #asiaweeknewyork #artbasel #dubaiart #baselworld #lelouvre #islamic #islamicart #collectingart #artbrussels #artcologne #london #instagram #specialist (at Regent Street)

[michaelbackman]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Carved Wooden Face Mask (Kpelie) Senufo People, Ivory Coast circa 1920 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ length: 39cm, width: 16cm ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This very finely-carved mask (kpelie) is from the group of peoples that have become known as the Senufo. It dates to the 1920s and has a patina consistent with such a dating. It would have been used in masquerade dance rituals. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It has been carved from a single piece of wood. It is of oval form. It has a pursed, projecting mouth displaying gritted teeth. A long, slender nose leads to double, arched eyebrows and closed lids above pierced eye slits. There are three rows of scarification on the lower cheeks. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The whole is framed by numerous protrusions, horns and flanges, including an arched feline creature surmounting the crest, and finely lined 'wing' protrusions on either side of the face. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The rim has been drilled all the way around with holes to allow the mask to be attached to textile or raffia so that the whole could be worn over the head. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Related examples are illustrated in Robbins & Nooter (1989, p. 114) and Gagliardi (2015, p, 98). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The mask has a lustrous, blackened patina, and the surface has much evidence of age and light encrustation under a magnifying loop. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The mask is in excellent condition. One of the lower pendant protuberances appears to have a crack but this is stable and only discernible on close inspection. Overall, this is a fine, well-carved example with tremendous presence. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #mask #masque #senufo #tribalart #artpremier #artdafrique #senufomask #carving #woodcarving #africanart #africanmask #artafricain #africa #afrique #parcoursdesmondes #tribalartlondon #tribalparis #quaibranly #rivegauche #masterpiece #masterpiecelondon #timeoutlondon #timeout #london #galleries #art #antiques #instagram (at Regent Street)

[michaelbackman]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Gold & Pearl Nose Ring India, probably Rajasthan circa 1900 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ width: 3.3cm, weight: 5.05g ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This fine gold nose ring or nath is decorated with multiple pearls and rubies. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Mostly worn by Hindu women in India, such nose rings or naths also were worn by Indian Muslim women who, historically, have been acculturated with Hindu ways. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Generally, they were worn by married women - as an indicator of their married status - usually through a piercing in the left nostril. Once a woman was widowed, her nath was discarded. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The example here is well made, with all the elements secured into place with fine gold wire. It is in excellent condition. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #gold #ring #nosering #goldnosering #jewellery #jewelry #goldjewellery #goldjewelry #indianjewellery #indianjewelry #pearls #rubies #ornaments #decorativeart #tefaf #tefafnewyork #asiaweeknewyork #tefafmaastricht #asianarrtinlondon #hinduism #hindu #indianheritage #indiancultures #dubaiart #wearable #rare #art #antiques #instagram (at Regent Street)

[michaelbackman]

Be the first to see our latest items by subscribing to our monthly catalogue mail-out list. Simply send us a message with your full name via: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ [email protected] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #asianartinlondon #artinlondon #artmarket #artgallerymayfair #antiquegallerymayfair #artcatalogue #artcollector #collection #iloveindia #michael #michaelbackmanltd #rareantique #lapada #friezemaster #olympia #olympiaartfair #olympiafair #artfairs #author #publishedauthor #gallerist #artgalleries #artgallery #londonartgalleries #artdeco #printempsasiatique2018 #silver #artnouveau #penguin #indianart (at London, United Kingdom)

[michaelbackman]

Visit Michael Backman Ltd between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, by appointment only. We are at 20 Hanover Street, Second Floor, London W1S 1YR. We look forward to meeting you. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #michaelbackmanltd #rareantiques #art #artsofasia #backman #silverteapot #antiques #frieze #islamicart #islam #colonialart #asianart #artbasel #baselworld #artbrussels #artcologne #artbaselhongkong #asianartinlondon #parcoursdesmondes #tefaf #tefafmaastricht #maastricht #brafa #tribalart #artpremier #artdafrique #artdasie #teapot #penguin #instagram (at London, United Kingdom)

[michaelbackman]

Simply click on our bio link to subscribe to our mailing list to receive our monthly catalogue via email. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #asianartinlondon #indiansilver #colonialart #londonartgalleries #mayfairgalleries #michaelbackmanltd #antiques #art #london #paris #newyork #tokyo #rome #sanfrancisco #losangeles #beijing #singapore #geneva #berlin #bangkok #world #international #cosmopolitan #worldcities #indianart #india #penguin #artdeco #artnouveau (at London, United Kingdom)

[michaelbackman]

Today, we have curated a small group of objects in remembrance of our friend Henry Brownrigg (1943-2016), who would have turned 75 today. These are the sorts of objects which so fascinated Henry and for which he was renowned. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #henrybrownrigg #friendship #indianart #india (at London, United Kingdom)

[michaelbackman]

Today, we have curated a small group of objects in remembrance of our friend Henry Brownrigg (1943-2016), who would have turned 75 today. These are the sorts of objects which so fascinated Henry and for which he was renowned. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #henrybrownrigg #friendship #indianart #india (at London, United Kingdom)