Wrought Iron Opium Retort From Jaisalmer - 19th Century Style - Meiping Vase creating a richly textured surface

creating a richly textured surface that reflects generations of use and exposure

This large bronze Buddha has a serene gaze with painted eyes and lips

The bottom layer has a compartmentalised drawer

The top has worn with time

Wrought Iron Opium Retort From Jaisalmer - 19th Century Style - Meiping Vase creating a richly textured surfaceThis old Indian iron opium retort (or hemp filter) was used for filtering raw opium water through a cotton bag. It dates to the 19th century and would have been part of Rajasthani traditional opium consumption. The iron stand is delicately etched and has a central pagoda sheltering a nandi bull. The Nandi bull is a symbol of Lord Shiva. A stylised naga or snake sits above the ring which would once have held a cotton bag. These stands were hand wrought