Mandarin Mansion

11/06/2026

This interesting Deccani sword got reserved before it reached the website.

https://www.mandarinmansion.com/item/deccan-horse-hilted-sword

10/06/2026

"The annexation of Kayamkulam by Travancore was part of a larger series of expansive campaigns, affecting spice-producing territories where the Cochin-based Dutch VOC had lucrative monopoly contracts for trade. In 1739, Gustaaf Willem van Imhoff, the Dutch Governor of Ceylon, met with Travancore ruler Marthanda Varma for negotiations. Van Imhoff threatened to invade Travancore, but Marthanda Varma boldly replied that he had been thinking about invading Europe someday."

Here is a "Kayamkulam vaal" sword that was used by his Nair warriors at the time.

10/06/2026

Sadly had to miss this event...

09/06/2026

Spending some time studying, photographing and listing some South Indian items this week. Here's the first listing, ex Roy Elvis collection.

From the Roy Elvis collection. 15th-16th century.

08/06/2026

Hilt of a very nice mandau from the Kutai area.

02/06/2026

My latest listing is a fine teppō, the Japanese musket. It is signed by the barrel and stock makers.

Made with the "double wrapped" method, signed by the maker on the barrel.

01/06/2026

The latest listing in my Japan items spree:

With the Hiraiwa double bow mon and a matching box with the same.

30/05/2026

29/05/2026

Coming soon... a kabuto with quite a story!

29/05/2026

The best South Indian spearhead I had so far, with beautifully preserved silver gilt finish. Tanjore, 17th century.
Presented on another new arrival, a finely carved Anglo Indian table.