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 Nandi bell from Maharashtra is a magnificent example of Shaivite ritual metalwork. Crafted in brass, it rests on a wide base and rises into a tall, fluted stem adorned with concentric circular ridges—evocative of the shikhar, or spire, of traditional Maharashtrian temples. This architectural reference lends the piece both a sculptural elegance and a sacred resonance.
Crowning the bell is a beautifully detailed figure of Nandi, the faithful bull of Lord Shiva, positioned in eternal devotion. In front of him sits a small lingam, subtly reinforcing the intimate relationship between the devotee and the divine.
The bell emits a deep, resonant chime—used in rituals to purify space, focus intent, and invoke the presence of the sacred.
Striking in scale and symbolism, this piece bridges the worlds of sound, sculpture, and spirituality. More than a ritual object, it is a tribute to the layered devotion that defines Shaivite worship and Indian temple tradition.
Sourced From: Maharashtra
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.