Dakini; Ritual, ivory, carved, Nepal, C17

Rectangular plaque carved in relief with figure of a dancing Dakini, a Lamaist feminine divinity of lesser rank.

Purchased from Imre Schwaiger Esq, 39 Brook Street, Grosvenor Square, W.1

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 Imre Schwaiger Esq, 39 Brook Street, Grosvenor Square, W.1. 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.

R.P. 1920-7059

IM.152-1922