Set of 2 Antique India Costume and Cultural Plates by Max Tilke, c.1900

Set of 2 Antique India Costume and Cultural Plates by Max Tilke, c.1900

This set of two antique plates offers a richly detailed depiction of clothing, symbols, and cultural life in ancient India. Created by Max Tilke and published by Ernst Wasmuth A.-G., Berlin, around 1900, these plates present both costume scenes and archaeological motifs drawn from early Indian art, sculpture, and temple reliefs.

Plate 19 illustrates male and female figures wearing traditional garments with long draped cloths, turbans, jewellery, and ceremonial items. Warriors and attendants appear with shields, staffs, and musical instruments, reflecting scenes described in ancient Indian epics and represented in classical Indian sculpture. The poses and facial features are rendered in Tilke’s characteristic style, balancing archaeological accuracy with elegant simplicity.

Plate 20 complements this with an array of line drawings showing figures, ornaments, decorative patterns, headgear, weapons, ritual objects, and a large war elephant with attendants and archers. This plate functions as a visual reference sheet for early Indian costume and symbolism, drawing inspiration from temple carvings at sites such as Sanchi, Mathura, and ancient Gandhara.

Together, these two plates form a coherent study of ancient Indian aesthetics and culture. Their scholarly value, combined with their decorative quality, makes them suitable for framing as a pair above a desk, library wall, or gallery space. They appeal equally to collectors of Asian art, students of archaeology, and interior designers seeking refined historical imagery.

Condition report

Very good overall. Mild toning and small foxing spots in the margins. Image areas clean and stable. No tears affecting the artwork. Ready for framing.

Framing tips

These two plates work beautifully as a horizontal pair in matching frames. Use walnut, teak, or matte black frames to complement the Indian theme. Warm ivory or off-white mats enhance the linework and give the set a museum-quality appearance.

Technique: Lithograph

Maker: Max Tilke, Ernst Wasmuth A.-G., Berlin, c.1900