Antique Tantric Phurba Carving – Available for Sale
Fourteen little pieces strung together in a necklace. Not an ordinary necklace but one that was used in rituals by tantric priests. Each is a Phurba made of Yak bone … Continue reading
Dragons and Serpents from Laos – Textile Art
According to Lao mythology the Naga are the protectors of the Lao state and it is quite natural that they are found in all the forms of art practiced there. … Continue reading
Old Silver Opium Hafeem Box – Available for Sale
Available for Sale: Old Silver Opium Box
Old Tribal Beaded Hair Ornaments for a Child – Available for Sale
Handmade Beaded Hair ornaments for a child. How are these worn? These are fastened to the hair at the level of the eyes – somewhat like blinkers perhaps? Here is … Continue reading
Art for Our Pets
Do we love our pets enough to make such lovely things for them? Banjara Bullock Horn Covers See more on wovensouls.com Am sure handsome young Simba wouldn’t mind one more … Continue reading
Rise of the Phoenix – Antique Silk Batik Shawl – Available for Sale
Or is it an enormous bee? This style of hand drawn batik (on silk) was created in Java for the Balinese market. This piece is in such a lovely condition … Continue reading
Art of Africa – Kente Cloth – Available for Sale
A piece in a museum store priced at US$4000 (only) caught my eye. Such a high valuation piqued my interest and I began reading. The palimpsest of Kente cloths is … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix – Lontar Baskets
“There is no limit to creativity” – these cliched words come alive with these palm leaf baskets that have been decorated with beads … When the first artist created this … Continue reading
Picking a Bone …
Picking a bone …. Not exactly any bone. But a Kapala bone. A bone from the skull of a deceased Buddhist Lamaji. Under the assumption that his wisdom and powers … Continue reading
A Mother’s Labor of Love – Kohistani Baby’s Cap
In other places mothers-to-be and grandmas-to-be knit booties and mittens for the expected new arrivals. In Kohistan they make a cap. Such amazing work can only be born as a … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix – Ceremonial Sumatra Weaving
A stunning festive weaving from pre-1900 Sumatra
INVITATION – Antique Indian Textile Art @ The Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, Singapore
BAZAR: SAT & SUN 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th November 4pm-8pm A mini-exhibition will showcase some textile masterpieces from the past. Some pieces from the wovensouls collection will also be available … Continue reading
Antique Buddhist Butter Art Pattern Manuscript – Mongolia
As I open the packet of manuscript folios from Mongolia, the scent of the monastery infused into the centuries-old paper hits me before the vision does. Manuscripts, most often contain … Continue reading
The Art of Spirituality
In my childhood I had heard my grandma say that there are four stages in one’s life a. The Stage of Bacherlorhood – a life of study, a life of … Continue reading
Asia Travelogues Coming Soon
The Wealth of South Asia – Islands, Sun & Sea Vietnam: Caving in Vietnam Vietnam: Just what were you thinking? Guerilla Jungles & Tunnels Vietnam: The Tale of a Refugee … Continue reading
A Glimpse of Heaven | Antique Yao Paintings
Imagine a small community of two million people spread across a few thousand kilometers, living a life that straddles two radically different worlds – the life of their ancestors and … Continue reading
Doubt & Hope | The Saga of Antique Yao Paintings
Ever had the dreaded feeling that some precious thing was lost forever? I’d been living with that feeling for over a year now! After the ‘Vanishing Cultures’ Exhibition [click to … Continue reading
Photographing the Spirit
The Difficulty of capturing the spirit of glossy Silk in a photograph
Javanese Batik Wood Art
Java. With a lifestyle culture that looked unique even in a short first glimpse. I visited Yogyakarta / Borobudur a few years ago. And in the short stop … Continue reading
People: Edward Gerber
As I roam the auctions galleries, one name has been appearing consistently associated with the auction lots that strike me. Edward Gerber. It is with sadness that I read the … Continue reading
Motif & Meaning in Textiles – 1 Preface
A part of my fascination with traditional textiles emanates from the stories hidden within them. The cultural aspects – who wore them, for what occasion, who made them and how … Continue reading
