Lot 251

19th C. Indian Gilt-Copper Elephant Goad Ankus

Previous image preload Next image preload

19th C. Indian Gilt-Copper Elephant Goad Ankus

Estimate: $700 - $1,050

Starting Bid: $300

(0 Bids)

by Artemis Fine Arts
June 25, 2026 9:00 AM MDT (In Progress)
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

South Asia, India, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A copper and brass elephant goad, known as an ankus, traditionally used by mahouts to guide and control elephants, with areas of gold wash. While functional in origin, many examples evolved into ceremonial objects carried in processions, serving as symbols of authority and status. The form features a pointed spike and curved hook emerging from stylized makara-like heads, with an elephant head below. The hollow handle is spirally formed and terminates in a spherical finial. Size: 19" L x 4.5" W (48.3 cm x 11.4 cm)

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 201936

  • Condition: Fading and losses to gold gilt, with small nicks and abrasions. Dark patina dn oxidation. Great antique condition!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

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

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000