Video IconDownload Icon
Zoom Icon Click for high resolution

Photographic Album, Carved Sandalwood, Possibly Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Western India, ca. 1901 – 1904.

REGISTERED ANTIQUITY – NON-EXPORTABLE ITEM.

 

Object Detail

 

Wood has been masterfully shaped in a myriad of forms to cultivate the vibrant heritage of Gujarat. A remarkable piece dating back to the colonial era is a sandalwood photographic album. This sandalwood photographic album displays excellent craftsmanship with intricate carvings on all the sides with a beautifully designed lock. Focusing on the front-facing carved panel, the composition features two medallions, with the larger outer medallion enclosing a smaller inner medallion. At the heart of the inner medallion, the esteemed figure of Lord Krishna is depicted. In the outer medallion, groups of men and women partake in the lively dandiya dance, a celebrated folk dance from Gujarat. Expanding on the larger outer medallion, the apsaras and men are playing musical instruments.

 

The back panel of the album features a prominent oval medallion surrounded by four smaller circular ones. The central medallion vividly depicts a fierce goddess engaged in battle, symbolising the conflict between good and evil. The smaller medallions display men and women in dynamic dance postures, celebrating the triumph of good. The rendition of animals like parrots and mythical reindeer is shown. The spine of the panel prominently features oval-shaped medallions at its centre, where a captivating rendition of Garuḍa, the vahana of Lord Vishnu, with a pair of elephants facing each other. The lock of the album resembles a blossoming lotus, gracefully unfurling its intricate design, and captures the elegance of nature. The whole album is busy with elaborate floral vines, intricate lotus motifs, and intertwining foliage that create a rich tapestry of design and has floral borders that frame the piece, making it visually appealing and showcasing the careful craftsmanship.

 

 

Provenance

 

From a Private Collection in Mumbai, India.

 

Condition

 

Good Condition with minor wear.

 

Dimension

 

Weight –

Length –

Height –

 

 

Literature Comparison

 

1.R. K. Trivedi, Census of India 1961, Volume V, Gujarat, Part VII-A(2): Wood Carving of Gujarat (Ahmedabad: Superintendent of Census Operations, Gujarat, 1963).

 

2. V. S. Parmar, Wood Carvings of Gujarat (New Delhi: Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, 2001).

 

3. Material Culture for Global Markets: The Craftspeople of Kutch and Their Artisanal Heritage, accessed July 22, 2025. https://studylib.net/doc/13209553/material-culture-for-global-markets—the-craftspeople-of.

 

 

Categories: ,

Request More Images


You can find images of this object above. Click on an image to zoom.

In case you are looking for additional images, please email us at ritesh@indikeauctions.com or use the request form below.

    How to Buy

    Buying at Indike is simple. Our friendly team of experts are always willing to discuss items entered in the auctions and also those that are currently available in our online shop with potential purchaser. All members of our dedicated team are here to help should you need any assistance. Please note that all items purchased are subject to our standard terms and conditions.

    Live Auction
    Indike Live Auction

    Bid live on our website, without additional online surcharges!

    Timed Auction
    Timed Auction

    Bids are open until the window closes. Highest bid wins.

    Online Gallery
    Online Gallery

    You can buy fine Indian art immediately in our online shop.

    Terms & Conditions

    By accessing or using this website, mobile application, or any services provided by Indike, you acknowledge and agree to comply with the following terms and conditions. These terms govern your use of our platform and all content, features, and functionality made available through it. Use of this site is conditioned upon your acceptance of and compliance with these terms. If you do not agree with any part of the terms, you must not use the website or services.

    All content provided on this site, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Indike or its licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of any content is strictly prohibited.

    The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and may be subject to change at any time without notice. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content on the site. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

    We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to the website without notice, for conduct that we believe violates these terms or is harmful to other users, us, or third parties, or for any other reason at our sole discretion.

    You may not use this website in any way that causes, or may cause, damage to the website or impairment of its availability or accessibility. You may not use it for any unlawful, illegal, fraudulent, or harmful purpose or activity.

    Related products