Lot 297: AN UNUSUAL INDIAN BRONZE ZOOMORPHIC CEREMONIAL WEAPON OBJECT, 17TH - 18TH CENTURY

A 17th – 18th century Indian cast bronze ceremonial object, displaying the characteristics of an unusual Indian weapon hilt or specialised liturgical tool. The piece features a long, elegantly curved handle that terminates in a cast lion (Simha) head with an open mouth and stylised mane. The handle is joined to the main body via a tapered neck decorated with foliate scrolls. The primary vessel is fashioned in the form of a mythical bird, likely a Hamsa or Makara hybrid. The exterior is deeply incised with overlapping scale patterns representing feathers, featuring stylised wings at the sides and a hooked terminal at the rear. The vessel is supported by a single, stout leg with corresponding scale patterns, terminating in a clawed foot, which allows the piece to stand upright.

L: 53cm