Welcome to The Blue Trunk!
I’m Ujval Anand, founder and curator.
What began as a personal passion for collecting has grown into The Blue Trunk, a collection of Indian vintage art, ritual objects, masks, wooden carvings and other cultural finds. Over the years, travel and encounters with collectors, families and artisans have shaped the way I discover and curate these pieces.
At our gallery in Aarey, Mumbai, an old blue trunk remains a symbol of the journey that started it all. Through this website, I’m delighted to share these discoveries with collectors and curious minds, wherever they may be.
I invite you to explore the collection and discover something that speaks to you.
Ujval Anand
Founder & Curator
This vintage wooden sculpture depicts Lord Nataraja—the cosmic dancer—carved from rich red sanders wood. With dynamic grace, Shiva is shown in his classical dance posture, one leg lifted in rhythm, the other trampling the dwarf Apasmara, symbolising ignorance. His multiple arms radiate outward in expressive gestures: one holds the damaru (drum), another the flame of destruction, while one hand offers protection and another points to the uplifted foot—an emblem of liberation.
Crafted in the Marapachi tradition, this piece blends ritual artistry with cultural heritage. Marapachi dolls, usually part of the Navaratri Golu display in South India, are passed down through generations and are symbolic of continuity and well-being. Nataraja’s presence in such an arrangement reflects the cyclical nature of creation and dissolution—core to Hindu philosophy.
Sourced From: Tamil Nadu
Wipe the piece with a soft, dry cloth. Do not expose it to direct sunlight, dampness, heat or cold.
Shipping is free in India upto 5 kgs. Please refer to the “Payment, Shipping and Returns” before you place your order.