Description:

**Originally Listed At $250**

South Asia, India, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A cast leaded brass vajri, a multifunctional personal hygiene tool combining a bell and exfoliant scrubber. The form is flattened and circular, with pierced sides housing numerous small pellet balls that rattle and chime when shaken. A sculptural handle, formed by a pair of elephants with trunks entwined in a dynamic display of strength, crowns the piece. The flat underside is crosshatched and carefully filed to create a textured surface, used to scrub the soles of the feet - an essential practice in a culture where barefoot or open-toed footwear was common. The integrated bell served a modesty function during communal bathing, such as in river settings, alerting others to one's presence and helping prevent accidental encounters with unclothed bathers. Size: 3" W x 2.75" H (7.6 cm x 7 cm)

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired in the 1980s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#193654

  • Condition: Old abrasion and gouge to the scrubbing surface. Green patina and dark toning, otherwise intact and good condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping

December 29, 2025 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$1 - $249,999:
32.50%
$250,000+:
27.50%

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 + $500