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ID #SA1139021
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2 Antique Large Indian Terracotta Tent Pole Tops
Sold by Elmgarden
sold SA1139021
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Elmgarden

Elmgarden

Sellingantiques Verified Since Feb 2010
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Id #SA1139021
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2 Antique Large Indian Terracotta Tent Pole Tops

18th century
Sold by Elmgarden
Description

2 Antique Large Indian Terracotta Tent Pole Tops

These wonderful pieces have been made in the image of frightening characters to keep evil spirits at bay. The heads would have been set on the top of a tent, they have small holes in the terracotta to allow smoke to escape and they have smoke stains on the inside.

Very unusual pieces, H: 43cm (16.9")W: 26cm (10.2")D: 23cm (9.1”)

WE224

Physical Dimensions
Height
43cm (16.93")
Width
26cm (10.24")
Depth
23cm (9.06")
Declaration

Elmgarden has dated these Indian Terracotta Tent Tops to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1139021
Dealers Internal Reference
WE224
Description
2 Antique Large Indian Terracotta Tent Pole Tops
“
These wonderful pieces have been made in the image of frightening characters to keep evil spirits at bay.
Elmgarden

The heads would have been set on the top of a tent, they have small holes in the terracotta to allow smoke to escape and they have smoke stains on the inside.

Very unusual pieces, H: 43cm (16.9")W: 26cm (10.2")D: 23cm (9.1”)

WE224

Height
43cm (16.93")
Width
26cm (10.24")
Depth
23cm (9.06")
Date of Manufacture

Elmgarden has dated these Indian Terracotta Tent Tops to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1139021
Dealers Internal Ref
WE224
Elmgarden
Elmgarden
Sellingantiques verified Since Feb 2010
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Elmgarden Profile Page

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Pair of sculpted Indian terracotta tent pole tops depicting styled heads with moustaches, pointed helmets, and weathered polychrome paint. SOLDYESTERDAY
1 / 10
Archive I Pair of sculpted Indian terracotta tent pole tops depicting styled heads with moustaches, pointed helmets, and weathered polychrome paint. SOLDYESTERDAY

2 Antique Large Indian Terracotta Tent Pole Tops

Archive II Pair of sculpted Indian terracotta tent pole tops depicting styled heads with moustaches, pointed helmets, and weathered polychrome paint. View II
Archive III Pair of sculpted Indian terracotta tent pole tops depicting styled heads with moustaches, pointed helmets, and weathered polychrome paint. View III
Archive IV Scale Reference for Pair of sculpted Indian terracotta tent pole tops depicting styled heads with moustaches, pointed helmets, and weathered polychrome paint.
Archive V Pair of sculpted Indian terracotta tent pole tops depicting styled heads with moustaches, pointed helmets, and weathered polychrome paint. View V
Archive VI Pair of sculpted Indian terracotta tent pole tops depicting styled heads with moustaches, pointed helmets, and weathered polychrome paint. View VI
Archive VII Pair of sculpted Indian terracotta tent pole tops depicting styled heads with moustaches, pointed helmets, and weathered polychrome paint. View VII
Archive VIII Pair of sculpted Indian terracotta tent pole tops depicting styled heads with moustaches, pointed helmets, and weathered polychrome paint. View VIII
Archive IX Pair of sculpted Indian terracotta tent pole tops depicting styled heads with moustaches, pointed helmets, and weathered polychrome paint. View IX
Archive X Pair of sculpted Indian terracotta tent pole tops depicting styled heads with moustaches, pointed helmets, and weathered polychrome paint. View X
Enlarged Archival View
Elmgarden

Elmgarden
Telephone 07768 997 907
Location
Hampshire
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/elmgarden
Verified Since Feb 2010
Items For Sale 765
Items Sold 5,585
Elmgarden
Elmgarden
Verified Since Feb 2010
View Dealer Info
Location: Hampshire , United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/elmgarden
Verified
Feb 2010
For Sale
765
Sold
5,585
Pair of sculpted Indian terracotta tent pole tops depicting styled heads with moustaches, pointed helmets, and weathered polychrome paint.
2 Antique Large Indian Terracotta Tent Pole Tops
Ref: SA1139021
Pair of sculpted Indian terracotta tent pole tops depicting styled heads with moustaches, pointed helmets, and weathered polychrome paint.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Scale Reference
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures
  • Period18th century
  • StyleIndian Folk Art
  • MaterialTerracotta, Pigment, Lime Wash
  • ColourOchre and White
  • MotifsSculpted moustaches, pointed helmets, open mouths, polychrome finish
  • SizeH 43 cm (17 in) x W 26 cm (10 in) x D 23 cm (9 in)

This pair of 18th-century Indian folk art sculptures comprises two large terracotta tent pole tops made in the image of frightening characters designed to keep evil spirits at bay. Each piece takes the form of a sculpted head featuring a pointed helmet, a prominent moustache, an open mouth with visible teeth and a protruding tongue, and weathered polychrome paint. The materials consist of terracotta finished with pigment and lime wash, displaying a colour palette of ochre, white, and hints of blue. Physical details visible on the surfaces include deep weathering, smoke stains, small ventilation holes, and hand-modelled facial features. The dimensions measure 43 cm high, 26 cm wide, and 23 cm deep. In a contemporary home, these unusual items function as striking decorative ornaments suitable for placement on a sideboard top or display console in a living room, hallway, or study. Their distinctive maximalist design and historical character make them compelling conversation pieces that bring visual interest and cultural heritage to eclectic interior schemes.

FAQs

Terracotta tent pole tops are decorative architectural finials or structural caps historically used in India to top wooden poles for royal tents, ceremonial marquees, or temporary pavilions.

These sculptures were hand-modelled using local earthenware clay, fired in kilns, and subsequently finished with layers of natural pigments, lime wash, or mineral paint.

Authentic pieces feature signs of hand-tooling, irregularities in firing, layered erosion of surface paints, and natural weathering or minor abrasions consistent with age and outdoor exposure.

Place them as focal points on a sideboard, console table, or open bookshelf to introduce organic texture, historic narrative, and sculptural height to modern or minimalist spaces.

Clean gently using a soft, dry brush to remove dust. Avoid using liquid cleaners, water, or chemical solvents, as these can strip or damage remaining original polychrome paint and lime washes.
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