INDIA OR SRI LANKA, 19TH CENTURY

Details

A PAIR OF CARVED IVORY TOE-KNOB SANDALS (PADUKAS)
INDIA OR SRI LANKA, 19TH CENTURY
Of paddle shape, with raised heels and toes, the carved decoration with an elephant, a horse, a goose and a lion amidst tall grass, a rocky outcrop in the background, the borders with repeating palmettes and floral motifs, the toe clasp fashioned as a lotus flower bud
9.1/8in. (23.2cm.) long

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Sale room notice

The USA has recently changed its policy on the import of property containing elephant ivory. Only Asian Elephant ivory may be imported into the USA, and imports must be accompanied by DNA analysis and confirmation the object is more than 100 years old. Buyers will be responsible for the costs of obtaining any DNA analysis or other report required in connection with their proposed import into the USA. A buyer’s inability to export or import a lot is not a basis for cancelling their purchase.

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Lot Essay

In her discussion of Indian toe-knob sandals, Jutta Jain-Neubauer indicates that ivory padukas were worn only by holy men and members of royalty. Toe-knob sandals, often just cut from a wooden board, are usually associated with sadhus who wander from village to village and for which "such sandals represent minimal footwear [which] perfectly fit[s] in with practices and the directions laid down for the daily life and behaviour of ascetics" (Jutta Jain-Neubauer, Feet and Footwear in Indian Culture, Toronto, 2000, p.84, cat.81-82).

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