About Us
The home of Jana Manuelpillai — collector and dealer in Indian, Sri Lankan and Pakistani modern & contemporary art, in London since 2006.
We specialise in high-quality paintings and drawings from the subcontinent — for interiors in London, the UK and abroad.
The collection is viewable by appointment, and shown through regular exhibitions across London. We are a proud provider to Tate Museum Collections and Burgh House Museum & Garden. We have also partnered with HBO, Clifford Chance, Deutsche Bank and many more notable organisations.
The Noble Sage also offers consultancy for artists and gallerists wanting to show in London, and specialist art tours and school workshops.
Experiences with The Noble Sage
Specialist London Art Tours
The Noble Sage is proud to offer a specialist London Art Tour of some of the best art museums and galleries in the capital.
Perfect for art novices through to aficionados, the Director of The Noble Sage, Jana Manuelpillai, is now offering specially curated guided visits to some of the top art galleries and museums in London.
Benefitting from more than 20 years’ experience in the arts — spanning Asia, the United States and the United Kingdom, fine art paintings to modern and contemporary art, as well as qualifications in Art History and Museology — Jana gives his own engaging, informed and unique take on some of the greatest artworks on display in London.
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Group size
- Max. 6 guests
- Per person
- £39
- Private (1–6)
- £180
To book an upcoming tour of Tate Modern (international contemporary art) or Tate Britain (British art from 1500 to today), register your place via the links. For more information on any of the tours, email us at reception@thenoblesage.com.
Contact us
Get in touch with your specialist South Asian contemporary art dealer in London.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep up to date with new artworks, artists and exhibitions?
Join The Noble Sage mailing list and you’ll receive a weekly images email with highlights from the collection, plus e-vitations to all exhibitions opening at the gallery. You’ll also hear when our shows tour to other parts of London, the UK and cities such as New York, Paris and New Delhi.
Add your postal address as well as your email if you’d like printed invites whenever they are produced. The mailing list is the best way to stay in touch.
Can I view works I'm considering in my home or office?
If you live in London, yes — at no extra charge we can bring a selection of works to your space and advise on placement. Simply add the works to your Wishlist, then call or email us to arrange a time.
Outside London we charge a fee to cover transport, worked out in relation to the works chosen.
Are there special conditions for storing and displaying artworks?
Every artwork is different, but as a rule paintings and drawings should be kept out of direct sunlight in a dry, even-temperature room. Avoid placing works directly above radiators or upward-blowing fans; a deflecting shelf or ledge can protect against direct heat.
For personal help with conservation, contact Jana Manuelpillai, Managing Director, on +44 (0)7901944997.
How do I buy a work of art on your website?
After registering or logging in, add the works you like to your basket and follow the on-screen steps to pay by credit or debit card or PayPal. To pay by cheque or bank transfer, call us on +44 (0)7901944997 or email reception@thenoblesage.com. You can also use the enquiry box beside any artwork to get in touch.
Is it possible to pay for artworks in instalments?
Yes. The artwork stays in the collection until fully paid for. As a general guide: works under £1,000 over 2 months, under £2,000 over 4 months, and under £8,000 over 6–8 months — always at the gallery’s discretion. Once the first instalment is paid, the work is reserved and taken off sale.
To save towards a future purchase, choose an Art Kitty plan: set aside £50–£300 a month in a dedicated account. The balance can be withdrawn or put towards a work at any time. Email us to start one.
Can you deliver artworks abroad?
Yes — we ship works of every size and price worldwide. Through our long-standing relationship with DHL we arrange door-to-door delivery, typically within a week and a half of purchase. Works are packed professionally, framed or unframed as you wish (usually without glass if glazed).
DHL delivery and customs charges are not included in the price, but we can source a competitive quote. We have delivered successfully to Germany, Malaysia, India, the USA and Canada among others. For a quotation before purchase, contact reception@thenoblesage.com or call +44 (0)7901944997.
What is the returns policy on artworks purchased?
Artworks may be returned within one week of purchase, with the receipt or invoice and in the same condition and packing as when bought. Damaged works cannot be returned. We ensure every artwork is in excellent condition for sale; if damage is claimed to predate purchase, adequate proof must be provided. The Noble Sage reserves the right to refuse any return.
How do I sell a work of art through or to The Noble Sage?
We sell works of South Asian origin, by artists from the region, or with subcontinental content. The work must have full authentication from the gallery or artist and be in excellent condition — we prefer works already bought from us or by artists in our collection.
There’s no charge to consign; we take a percentage of any sale. We can’t guarantee a sale, and works can take six months to a year to sell. After six months you may review the price or take the work back. Occasionally we may offer to buy a work outright. When contacting us, please include where possible:
1. A clear image of the work.
2. Title, date, artist and medium, if known.
3. A close-up of the signature, if available.
4. The work’s provenance (when, where and from whom it was bought, and at what price).
5. Any inscriptions on the reverse or beside the work relating to authenticity.
6. Any letters of authenticity from the artist, a previous owner or gallery.
How long do I have to make a payment toward a reserved work?
You have one week to make a payment toward the work. Until that payment is made, the work remains on sale to other clients.
Is the price inclusive of VAT?
Yes — the price includes VAT at 20%.
Do you offer guided art tours of exhibitions in London?
Yes. For a small fee, a specialist art-historian guide can tour you and a group around a central London exhibition or gallery of your choice. Decide on the exhibition or gallery and contact us at reception@thenoblesage.com or on +44 (0)7901944997 to find out more.