Henry Lansdell Case Contents

  • ‘Dastana’ arm guard with pistols
Afghan embroidered trousers 19th century; made in Afghanistan, bought in Tashkent

Afghan embroidered trousers 19th century; made in Afghanistan, bought in Tashkent

Cotton

Described by Lansdell as from ‘Chambar’, a place in Afghanistan. The colourful embroidery is typical of Afghan work. Lansdell bought them at a bazaar in Tashkent, a Russian trading city north of the Afghan border. He thought they would ‘be warm and both useful, when tied at the bottoms’ during his journeys on horseback across the continent.
Lansdell had his photograph taken wearing these trousers.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922, and conserved with grant-aid from the Kathy Callow Trust, 2012
Reference: 2006.56.15
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Anklets

Anklets

19th century; collected in Jaipur, India, 1889

Metal

Tagged with a green label, like most of Lansdell’s collection, describing where acquired.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.48.1-3
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Carved boot

Carved boot

19th century; collected in Russia

Wood

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.7
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Carved escutcheon

Carved escutcheon

19th century; collected in Agra, India,

1889 Soapstone

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.49
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Carved religious bookmark

Carved religious bookmark

19th century; collected in Russia

Wood

Decorated with a Russian Orthodox image of priests blessing a man.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.1-2
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Carved religious bookmark

Carved religious bookmark

19th century; collected in Russia

Wood

Decorated with a Russian Orthodox image of Christ with incense burner at a deathbed.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.1-2
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Chinese balances

Chinese balances

19th century; bought in Yining (Kuldja), China, 1888

Metal and wood

One miniature, the other comprising two needles and thread with a storage tube and weight.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.20, 22.1-4&23
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Chinese boots

Chinese boots

19th century; collected in Yining, China

Cotton

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922, and conserved with grant-aid from the Kathy Callow Trust, 2012
Reference: 2006.56.19.1-2
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Chinese fan

Chinese fan

19th century; acquired in China, 1888

Wood, paper

Presented to Lansdell by a Chinese dignitary, possibly the Tchyan of General Chang, on 19 June 1888.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.17
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Chinese waist pocket

Chinese waist pocket

19th century; collected in Yining (Kuldja), China

Cotton, velvet and linen

Decorated with embroidery in traditional patterns.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922, and conserved with grant-aid from the Kathy Callow Trust, 2012
Reference: 2006.56.23
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Chowrie or Fly brush

Chowrie or Fly brush

19th century; bought in Yining (Kuldja), China, 1888

Wood and animal hair

For keeping away flies and carried as a mark of rank.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.18
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Decorated spoons

Decorated spoons

19th century; collected in Russia

Painted wood

There is a Russian Orthodox image inside the bowl and a rose underneath.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.1.1-2
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Doll, antidote to disease

Doll, antidote to disease

19th century; collected in Tyr, Russian Far East Wood.

“The Gilyaks believe in wooden idols or charms as antidotes to disease,” wrote Lansdell. Plague had been raging across Russia in 1879. The Gilyaks lived near the border with China. At Tyr, on the rivers Amur and Amaun, Lansdell “wished to buy some of the little amulets belonging to the head of the household” of a Gilyak family, including “those of his baby, one of them a doll in a sitting posture”. But the man was unwilling to sell until offered “a silver piece”. Then he “sent after me a fish rudely cut in wood, and meant for a sturgeon [the fish famous for its roe, known as caviar], with a little god seated
on his back. This had been used, apparently, not long before, on a fishing expedition.”

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.94
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Ewer

Ewer

19th century; made in Kokand, acquired in Bukhara

Brass

Container for water or wine, a gift from the Emir of Bukhara.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.41.1
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Face slapper

Face slapper

19th century; acquired at Kashgar prison, China, 1888

Leather

Described by Lansdell as “for slapping naughty women’s faces”. It was used in one of the prisons he visited.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.26
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Goblets

Goblets

19th century; acquired in Srinagar, Kashmir, India, 1888

Copper

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.38.1-2
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Hindu shrine

Hindu shrine

19th century; collected in Varanasi, Utter Pradesh, India

Metal

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.55
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Idol wreaths

Idol wreaths

19th century; collected in Bindraban, India

Paper

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.52.1-2
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Islamic green shawl

Islamic green shawl

19th century

Embroidered silk

Green relates to paradise and is the traditional colour of Islam.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922, and conserved with grant-aid from the Kathy Callow Trust, 2012
Reference: 2006.56.47
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Jail stamps

Jail stamps

19th century; collected in Bindraban, India

Iron

Lansdell visited a number of prisons on his travels across Asia.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.51.1-3
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Jewish scroll

Jewish scroll

19th century; bought in Bukhara, 1888

Paper and wood

Hebrew text from the Book of Esther, sold to Lansdell by a Rabbi.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.39
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Kazakh girdle

Kazakh girdle

19th century; bought in Tashkent Leather

Kazakhs live in Turkestan, southern Asia, which was annexed by Russia in 1864.
Lansdell is wearing this girdle in the photograph of himself in Kokand armour and Afghan embroidered trousers.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.13
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Kazakh purse

Kazakh purse

19th century; bought in Tashkent

Leather

Kazakhs live in Turkestan, southern Asia, which was annexed by Russia in 1864.
Lansdell is wearing this purse in the photograph of himself in Kokand armour and Afghan embroidered trousers.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.14
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Man’s comb

Man’s comb

19th century; collected in Khotan, China, 1888

Wood

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Models of ‘Kangri’ or portable  fire-baskets

Models of ‘Kangri’ or portable fire-baskets

Fire-baskets were carried inside the Kashmiri Ph’aran or cloak for warmth.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.37.1-2
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Rosary bag

Rosary bag

19th century; collected in Bindrabon,

India Silk

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.50
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Russian ‘kokoshnik’ head-dress 19th century; collected in Russia

Russian ‘kokoshnik’ head-dress 19th century; collected in Russia

Textile

Given by a young Cossak schoolmistress when Lansdell ‘fell in love with it’ and asked to buy it.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922, and conserved with grant-aid from the Kathy Callow Trust, 2012
Reference: 2006.56.93
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Seated bull ornament

Seated bull ornament

19th century; collected in Khotan, China, 1888

Jade

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.29
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Signed 3rd edition of “Through  Siberia” by Henry Lansdell

Signed 3rd edition of “Through Siberia” by Henry Lansdell

Lansdell signed this book to Mrs James Hill on 24th July 1885. He was staying in Riga, Latvia at the time probably in preparation for another journey, this time through Russian Central Asia.
The donor bought the book in 2000 in a second hand bookshop in Riga.

Donated by Mr J. Camp 2017
Reference: Cancm:2017.16
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Sikkin dorje or Thunderbolt

Sikkin dorje or Thunderbolt

19th century; collected in Darjeeling, India

Metal

Ritual object representing firmness of spirit – combining diamond (which cuts anything but can’t itself be cut) and thunderbolt (irresistible force).

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.56
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Statuette of Hindu elephant god,  Ganesh

Statuette of Hindu elephant god, Ganesh

19th century; collected in Jaipur, India, 1889

Carved and painted stone

Ganesh is the lord of success and destroyer of vanity, selfishness and pride. The god’s pot belly signifies the bounty of nature.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.42
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Statuette of Hindu god

Statuette of Hindu god

19th century; collected in Jaipur, India, 1889

Carved and painted stone

The Hindu idol of a woman was acquired by Lansdell at the same time as that of Ganesh.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.43
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Sturgeon, antidote to disease 19th century; collected in Tyr, Russian Far East Wood

Sturgeon, antidote to disease 19th century; collected in Tyr, Russian Far East Wood

“The Gilyaks believe in wooden idols or charms as antidotes to disease,” wrote Lansdell. Plague had been raging across Russia in 1879.
The Gilyaks lived near the border with China. At Tyr, on the rivers Amur and Amaun, Lansdell “wished to buy some of the little amulets belonging to the head of the household” of a Gilyak family, including “those of his baby, one of them a doll in a sitting posture”. But the man was unwilling to sell until offered “a silver piece”. Then he “sent after me a fish rudely cut in wood, and meant for a sturgeon [the fish famous for its roe, known as caviar], with a little god seated on his back. This had been used, apparently, not long before, on a fishing expedition.”
Lansdell had his photograph taken wearing Gilyak clothing and holding the sturgeon god.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.12
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Tea saucers

Tea saucers

19th century; bought at Maimatchin,

Mongolian frontier Metal

“We bought some embroidered purses of native workmanship, and cups and saucers. The saucers are of a lozenge-shape, and of metal, with an indentation fitted to receive the bottom of the cup, which has no handle. Hence, in drinking the tea, it was not necessary to finger the cup, but merely to hold the saucer and drink from the cup resting therein.” (Henry Lansdell, Through Siberia, 1882)

Maimatchin was a male-only Russo-Chinese trading town on the Mongolian.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.11.1-2
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Tibetan amulet

Tibetan amulet

19th century; bought in China, 1888

Metal

Lansdell travelled with a letter of introduction from the Archbishop of Canterbury, hoping to gain entry to the closed city of Lhasa, Tibet.

He was unable to cross from India to Tibet. Travelling to China he was again prevented from crossing: the British ambassador feared upsetting the Chinese. Lansdell had to be content with buying Tibetan items from a merchant, “Baltistan Leh”, who had visited Tibet.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.35.1-2a
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Tibetan cup

Tibetan cup

19th century; bought in China, 1888

Metal

Lansdell travelled with a letter of introduction from the Archbishop of Canterbury, hoping to gain entry to the closed city of Lhasa, Tibet.
He was unable to cross from India to Tibet. Travelling to China he was again prevented from crossing: the British ambassador feared upsetting the Chinese. Lansdell had to be content with buying Tibetan items from a merchant, “Baltistan Leh”, who had visited Tibet.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.33a
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Tibetan girdle plate

Tibetan girdle plate

19th century; bought in China, 1888

Metal

Lansdell travelled with a letter of introduction from the Archbishop of Canterbury, hoping to gain entry to the closed city of Lhasa, Tibet.
He was unable to cross from India to Tibet. Travelling to China he was again prevented from crossing: the British ambassador feared upsetting the Chinese. Lansdell had to be content with buying Tibetan items from a merchant, “Baltistan Leh”, who had visited Tibet.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.34
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Tibetan pipe

Tibetan pipe

19th century; bought in China, 1888

Wood

Lansdell travelled with a letter of introduction from the Archbishop of Canterbury, hoping to gain entry to the closed city of Lhasa, Tibet.
He was unable to cross from India to Tibet. Travelling to China he was again prevented from crossing: the British ambassador feared upsetting the Chinese. Lansdell had to be content with buying Tibetan items from a merchant, “Baltistan Leh”, who had visited Tibet.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.36
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Tibetan whip

Tibetan whip

19th century; bought in China, 1888

Wood, leather

Lansdell travelled with a letter of introduction from the Archbishop of Canterbury, hoping to gain entry to the closed city of Lhasa, Tibet.

He was unable to cross from India to Tibet. Travelling to China he was again prevented from crossing: the British ambassador feared upsetting the Chinese. Lansdell had to be content with buying Tibetan items from a merchant, “Baltistan Leh”, who had visited Tibet.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922
Reference: 2006.56.32
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

Veil cords

Veil cords

19th century; collected in Khotan, China, 1888

Silk

Tagged, like most of Lansdell’s collection, with labels describing where and when acquired.

Presented by Mary Landsdell in memory of her late husband, 1922, and conserved with grant-aid from the Kathy Callow Trust, 2012
Reference: 2006.56.31.1-3
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

‘Dastana’ arm guard with pistols

Early 19th century; Madras, South India

Steel

An arm guard fitted with English-style box-lock flintlock pistols and a triangular-shaped ‘flick’ bayonet. This gauntlet would probably have been a back-up weapon to a sword, or pata gauntlet sword, in the warrior’s other hand. However, whether it was a combat weapon is uncertain. Pistols were occasionally combined with swords in Indian arms. But this unusual piece is more likely a novelty weapon made for European visitors.

The arm guard is displayed to show the hinged underside, which fitted snugly round the forearm.

Presented by Stephen Lushington to Canterbury Philosophical and Literary Institution Museum, 1825-68, and acquired through purchase of the Museum by Canterbury Corporation, 1846-47
Reference: WG 74
Can be found: Explorers and Collectors

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