Indra, gilt copper inset with precious and semi-precious stones, Nepal, 17th century, Malla period

Figure of Indra of gilt copper, inset with precious and semi-precious stones.

Purchased from the dealer Imre Schwaiger, Esq., 39, Brook Street, Grosvenor Square, W

Nos. IM 170 and 171-1913 purchased together for £50 from Schwaiger. Imre Leonard Schwaiger was a well-respected dealer in gems, jewellery and eastern works of art. He was of Hungarian descent and, as a young man, he travelled to India where he became expert in appraising them, later becoming the foremost dealer and agent in such objects.
He built up a list of important clients and was friends with Jacques Cartier, looking after Cartier's interests in Delhi and acting as the company's agent in the purchase of gems, jewellery and objets d'art. Schwaiger was also responsible for introducing Cartier to all of the maharajas and other royals during his visit to India for the Dehi Durbar in 1911.
Imre Schwaiger developed a close working relationship with both the Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Museum, assisting them with a number of acquisitions. He also generously donated a number of valuable objects to both institutions.

Purchased from the dealer Imre Schwaiger, Esq., 39, Brook Street, Grosvenor Square, W. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Museum records (Asia Department registers and/or Central Inventory) as part of a 2023 provenance research project.

RP 1912-3057M

Indra was the supreme Vedic god of early India, the bearer of the thunderbolt (vajra), associated with rain. In later Hinduism he retained his role as King of the Gods but ceased to command popular following as a cult deity. In Nepal however, he continued to be worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists as the master of the atmosphere, celebrated in the annual eight day festival of Indra-jatra. He is represented as a king, crowned and bejewelled, seated in royal ease (maharajalila), and identified by his horizontal third eye and the vajra, seen here supported on a lotus.

IM.170-1913