AN EARLY BRASS LINGAM COVER DEPICTING SHIVA, 17TH - 18TH CENTURY India, Maharashtra. Formed as a mustachioed head with a bulbous nose and bulging eyes set within almond-shaped lids below gently arched brows, the plain hair secured by a headband, the ears with small earrings, a beaded necklace around the neck.

Provenance: From the collection of John Peter Cochrane, acquired in 1978, and thence by descent to the last owner. Two old labels, one to the interior of the head and the other to the base, both reading 'JPC 78/25'. John Peter Cochrane (1913-2004) was a noted English art dealer. At Arthur Tooth & Sons in Mayfair, he started his five-decade career in bringing new European and American art to London just after the war. Later he pursued his increasing personal interests as a collector. Serving as a respected consultant for Christie's London, he always refused a salary, declaring "they can't fire me because they don't pay me".
Condition: Condition commensurate with age and with significant old wear, traces of extensive usage as expected, and several casting flaws, as well as losses, dents, nicks, and light scratches. Fine, naturally grown patina overall.

Weight: 1,067 g
Dimensions: Height 16.4 cm (incl. base) and 12.7 cm (excl. base)

Mounted on an associated wood base. (2)

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie's New York, 18 September 2013, lot 249
Price: USD 7,500 or approx. EUR 8,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A large brass lingam cover in the form of a head, India, Maharashtra, 18^th/19^th century
Expert's remark: Note that this lingam cover is significantly larger and probably of a later date than the present lot.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie's New York, 18 September 2013, lot 250
Price: USD 7,500 or approx. EUR 8,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: Two brass lingam covers in the forms of heads, India, Maharashtra, 18^th/19^th century
Expert's remark: Note that these two lingam covers are both probably of a later date than the present lot.