19th Century Indian Brass Qibla Compass

High quality Chinese Export brass tray or charger with incised decoration and openwork, or fretwork border. Heavy cast with a beautifully burnished surface. Circa 1900. Signed by mak...

19th century Burmese bronze temple bell with original carved hardwood stand, painted iron hanging bracket, and striker. This rare large scale cast bronze bell has a splendid sculptural and spiritual presence. The bell has a long inscription on the upper part. The offering of a bronze bell to a monastery or temple was considered second only to the offering of a Buddha image as an act of merit (kutho). Such bells were cast using the lost wax (cire perdue) method. Casting of such bells was auspicious with specific rituals being performed by the caster and sponsors to ensure the appropriate blessings. The bell here, as with all such Burmese bells...

18th or 19th century bronze rain drum with unusual (incredible!) gilt surface. I have owned many of these over the years, all with wonderful patinas but never one that was gilt. Make...

A bronze cast of the Luxor Obelsik, one side a thermometer. This was a popular Grad Tour souvenir in the late 19th century. Mounted on a polished black slate base. 8.5 inches high by 3.5 by 3.5 The Luxor Obelisk...

Elegant portable brass sundial, finely engraved and signed “Menant à Paris”, demonstrating the precision and artistry of French scientific instrument making. This compact and beautif...

Rare cadran solaire portatif chinois du XIXe siècle, finement ouvragé en bronze gravé et émaillé. Cet instrument aux détails précis témoigne du savoir-faire et de l'art scientifique...

Rare cadran solaire portatif chinois du XIXe siècle, finement ouvragé en bronze gravé et émaillé. Cet instrument aux détails précis témoigne du savoir-faire et de l'art scientifique...

Compass with pocket sundial, with case. Bronze. BUTTERFIELD, Michael (1635-1724). Paris, circa 1700. Pocket sundial made of engraved metal, with a gno...