Rare Collectibles and Decorative Arts: Auctioned Heritage
Objects carry the marks of the hands that held them. Explore our curated selection of antiques and decorative arts, where every piece, from an 18th-century narrative scroll to vintage Bohemian glass, tells a history of its own.
This image showcases a pair of exquisite Kutani porcelain vases from the collection of the late Mrs. Meena Appachu. Her daughter shared that her mother was a passionate collector of beautiful objects, sourcing pieces from antique stores in Jamnagar to the markets of Europe.
An announcement for our low-reserve auction of ceramics and glass, featuring items from the esteemed collection of Meena Appachu. The image shows a classic blue Wedgwood plate, representing the quality of porcelain and pottery available.
An inverted capstan form glass bowl in the Bohemian style, decorated with a 'Peacock Feather' pattern after a design by Loetz. This piece of decorative glassware was the opening lot in our 'Ostentatious Peacocks' auction.
A side view of the Loetz-style glass bowl, showing the depth and dimension of the 'Peacock Feather' design within the glass. This is a fine example of early 20th-century Bohemian glasswork.
Another angle of the beautiful green glass bowl, highlighting the intricate patterns that make Loetz glass so collectible.
A top-down view of the Bohemian glass bowl, clearly showing the circular arrangement of the peacock feather motif.
An antiquarian map of 'Hindoostan' from our auction archives. Such maps are fascinating collectibles that offer a window into history, and we occasionally feature rare cartographic works in our sales.
This is a section of a rare, 17-foot-long Jain narrative scroll from the late 18th century, framed for representational purposes. The scroll depicts the fourteen auspicious dreams of Queen Trishla, mother of Lord Mahavir.
Another portion of the hand-painted Jain scroll, showing sixteen auspicious symbols including the sun, moon, and a pair of fish. This museum-quality piece was created with natural dyes on paper pasted on loin cloth.
Four scenes from the 18th-century Jain narrative scroll, showing moments from the life of Queen Trishla. The detail and colour in these miniature paintings are exceptional.
About Rare Collectibles & Decorative Arts
Provenance is the heart of what we do. When you look at an item like the 18th-century Jain narrative scroll or a piece of Meena Appachu's porcelain, you are seeing the result of decades of careful preservation and history. We do not simply list items; we document their journey, ensuring you know exactly what you are bidding on, from the artist's intent to the item's previous home.
Understanding Provenance and Value
For the discerning collector, an object's value lies not just in its beauty but in its history. Whether it is a section of a rare, hand-painted Jain 'Vintee Patrika' or a delicate piece of Victorian glass, we treat each item with rigorous research standards. We provide condition reports, historical context, and ownership records to ensure complete transparency before the hammer falls.
What You Will Find in Our Collections
- Ceramics and Glassware: From the eccentric designs of Bohemian Loetz glass to the refined elegance of Wedgwood porcelain, our auctions bring global decorative traditions to your screen.
- Antiquities and Scrolls: We occasionally feature museum-quality artifacts, such as 18th-century Rajasthan narrative scrolls. These are not just decorative pieces but significant cultural documents painted with natural dyes on loincloth.
- Estate Finds: Many of our lots come from private estates, allowing you to acquire items that were previously held in personal collections and are now being made available to the public for the first time.
The Auction Experience
Our auctions are held online, making them accessible to collectors anywhere in India. We host both low-reserve sales for those starting their collection journey and high-value, blue-chip auctions for established enthusiasts. Once you register, you gain full access to our digital catalogue, featuring high-definition imagery and detailed estimated dating. Our team is always available to clarify details regarding condition, restoration history, or shipping logistics, ensuring you feel confident in every bid you place.
Bid & Hammer
We are Bid & Hammer, and we believe every object has a life before it reaches you. We don't just auction items; we connect meaningful, historic pieces with the people who will cherish their stories. Our passion is finding the beauty in the old and passing it on to a new home.
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