Antique INDIAN BRONZE TEMPLE TOY (Kutch style) - an exceptionally fine example with horse and rider with carriage (c.19th century)

Postage is extra.

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For sale is an antique and exceptionally fine example of an Indian "Temple Toy" depicting a horse with rider pulling a carriage and what may be a seated Maharaja inside. This item is of all-bronze construction with an nice patina all-over. There are moveable wheels and overall is adorned with very fine detailing in the Kutch style (of north-west India). The axels are also of bronze, whereas most wheeled Temple Toys were made with iron axels. There is a small loop at the front to which a string could be attached to pull it along.

Temple Toys were made as votive offerings for Hindu temples and retained in the temple so children could play with these while their parents attened worship. Hence, the term "Temple Toys". Most example are crudely cast and take different forms such as elephants, Nandi (bull), horse (with or without rider). Temple Toys may or may not have a carriage as well. All were intended to be rolled along or pulled along on free-moving wheels.

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DESCRIPTION:
Size: about 8" height x 7 1/4" length x 5" width (205mm x 185mm x 127mm).
Material(s): cast bronze, including axels & wheel retaining pins.
Finish: n/a, but has a lovely patina all over acquired with age.
Weight (excuding transit packaging): about 1.65kg
Imprint: none, no maker's mark but style is similar to that seen with Kutch silver and other metalware.
Approximate age: c. late 19th century (1870's to early 1900's).

CONDITION:
Excellent condition for its age. There is a break in the left wheel but this may have existed when this item was made. This does not in any way affect the integrity or working of this item..
Please see photograph(s), these form part of the description.

POSTAGE:
* Postal costs are extra, additional to the Asking Price.
* I always get a proof-of-posting certificate.
* I combine postal costs for multiple items when these are paid for and posted the same time.

RETURNS:
* Return accepted if the item(s) is returned in same condition it left me, then the full Agreed Asking Price will be refunded. Postal costs are not refundable.
* Buyer pays the return postal costs - unless agreed otherwise.

fr/rm