Antiquarian Treasures & Traditional Indian Art
Explore a curated selection of rare miniature paintings, ancient sculptures, and antiquarian maps. We connect collectors with significant objects that preserve the stories of India’s rich heritage.
A magnificent 8th-century stone stele of Gautam Buddha from North India. The Buddha is depicted in 'dhyanasana' with his hands in the 'dharmachakra' mudra, seated on a throne with intricate carvings of worshippers and animals.
This video provides a detailed look at a rare, museum-quality Jain narrative scroll from the late 18th century. The 17-foot-long scroll, painted with natural dyes, depicts the auspicious dreams of Queen Trishla before the birth of Lord Mahavir.
This composite image shows the complete set of eight oil on tin-sheet paintings, circa 1850. The collection narrates the 'Via Dolorosa', Jesus Christ's steps to crucifixion, a significant and rare find of biblical art in India.
A hand-colored woodcut engraving by Thomas Maurice, circa 1798. It depicts the seventh avatar of Vishnu, Ramachandra, in combat with the ten-headed Ravana, a classic scene from Hindu mythology.
A section of the 18th-century Jain narrative scroll, showing the fourteen auspicious symbols from Queen Trishla's dreams. These include the elephant, bull, lion, and the sun and moon, all rendered in natural dyes.
An antiquarian map of 'Hindoostan' by John Thomson, from our auction archives. Such maps are valuable collectibles, offering a fascinating glimpse into the cartography and political boundaries of a bygone era.
One of the eight paintings from the 'Way of the Cross' series, circa 1850. This arched oil on tin-sheet depicts Jesus carrying the cross, rendered in the dramatic and emotive style of the period.
Four framed sections from the Jain narrative scroll, illustrating different scenes from the story. This shows how the scroll can be appreciated as individual works of art while being part of a larger narrative.
A portion of the Jain narrative scroll depicting a Mahavir Temple. The intricate detail and use of natural pigments are characteristic of late 18th-century Rajasthani miniature painting.
Another scene from the 'Way of the Cross' series, showing Jesus stumbling under the weight of the cross. The dark, somber palette enhances the solemnity of the moment.
About Antiquarian Treasures & Traditional Art
Every acquisition begins with complete transparency. We provide a full technical condition report and provenance documentation for every piece, from 8th-century stone sculptures to late 18th-century narrative scrolls. My team ensures that the history of your object is verified, giving you the confidence that the piece you bring home is both authentic and well-preserved.
Acquiring antiquities is a responsibility, not just a transaction. Whether you are looking for rare Indian miniature paintings, ancient stone steles, or historical maps of Hindoostan, the most critical element of the acquisition is provenance.
My approach to these traditional art forms—such as the 18th-century Jain narrative scrolls or 19th-century religious oil paintings—focuses on ensuring the longevity of the object. Each piece listed in this collection has been assessed for its historical significance and condition. We provide archival-quality documentation that tracks the ownership history of the item.
For those specifically interested in religious or mythological artifacts, I often guide collectors through the symbolism present in works like the Jain 'Vintee Patrika' or the Way of the Cross series. These are not merely decorative objects; they are primary sources of cultural history.
Because of the delicate nature and rarity of these treasures, I manage these acquisitions through our Private Sales service. This ensures discretion and allows us to arrange viewings where you can inspect the craftsmanship, weight, and material of the piece firsthand. Whether you are building a formal estate collection or seeking a specific, historically significant centerpiece, my role is to provide the expert verification that makes the decision secure.
Bid & Hammer
I am Maher Dadha, and Bid & Hammer grew from my own life-long passion for collecting art. I work directly with you to ensure that these significant pieces of Indian heritage find their way into hands that will respect and cherish their history.
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Search our archives or request access to our private collection.
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