Viewing India Through the Eyes of Paul F. Walter

It could be said that at the heart of Paul Walter’s collecting, was his love of India. The culture and the people, in times of peace and in times of war, wove a tapestry of life that pulled at Paul Walter’s heartstrings and mind.

Particularly fascinating to him were the sculptures and bronzes that depicted the beauty of the Indian world and its religions. Buddha, in sandstone relief as lot 137, is company to the Hindu god Ayanar’s elephant, lot 150, which was originally purchased from Spink & Son’s in London, and is exhibited adjacent to two metal riders on tigers, lot 221, with the affordable estimate of $150-250.

More than the value of the pieces, Paul Walter collected what he thought was beautiful and curious, a treasure for the mind and soul… and to the body, as can be seen in the numerous pieces of Indian silver jewelry and other metal adornments.

Paul Walter’s love of India also dove into textiles with the colors of the land, and gouache miniatures on paper of nobility and deities. Join us for an opportunity to view India through the eyes of a devotee who wanted to share the richness and culture with everyone he met.

Top: Lot 137, INDIAN SANDSTONE STELE FRAGMENT, CENTRAL INDIA
Depicting the life of Buddha, now raised on a stand.  21 1/2 x 18 x 6 1/4 in. .

Above left: Lot 221, TWO INDIAN METAL FIGURES RIDING TIGERS. Tallest 5 3/4 x 5 1/4 x 2 in.; Above right: Lot 150,  INDIAN BRONZE FIGURE OF AYANAR’S ELEPHANT HOLDING A WOMAN IN HIS TRUNK, CHOLA. 7 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 9 in.