A pair of miniature bumbas, partly gilt, Tibeto-Chinese, 19th Century.

The private Collection of Nils Nessim (1916-1974), thence by descent. Label Nils Nessim Collection no 62-63.

Nils Nessim (1917-1974), was a Swedish businessman and carpet dealer, son of the Director and Carpet specialist Jean B Nessim (1887-1946). In 1942 he founded AB Nils Nessim in 1942, he expanded and in the 1960’s he founded Nils Nessim International and Nils Nessims Antiques. Nils were early schooled in the carpet business by his father, and went on many business trips to aquire carpets and goods for the stores. He travelled the world and built up an impressive collection of Antiques and Asian Works of Art alongside the carpet business. In 1959 he became the first westener to be allowed to export antiques from China. He is well known for his collection of Russian Easter Eggs, and at one point he is said to have had over 1000 of them.

The vase of life overhung by four leaves (a symbol of abundance), probably a part of a Khtvanga, a ritual Buddhist sceptre/staff