Catalog (278)

Mask certainly depicting a horned demon which could be a local representation of an anismist demon or an atypical form of a Nuo theater figure from the minorities of southern China, good age at least mid-20th. Old balck soot patina, good condition H 32 cm

Ghurra with finely carved zoomorphic patterns, the top is à ram surmounting a couple of cows. Obvious signs of important use with a very encrusted patina ; presented on a metal stand, H 18 cm

old mushroom mask, with a shiny black patina. These mask are made from tree parasit mushroom with a minimal carving work. The aime of the carvers is to take advantage of the native form of the mushroom. These masks are usually hung inside homes to function as protective effigies. They are more occasionally used as face masks during festival season, H 29 cm, width 38 cm weight1Kg.

Very unusual “janus” designed mushroom mask; one side shows the native wrinkled face of the mushroom whereas the opposite side shows a smooth face with more carving work. Eyes and mouth are common to both faces. The mask has ear pendants, which are made with 2 different seeds, one is rudraksha bead which is the seed of a very common tree in Nepal. These seeds are very popular for making Hindu and Buddhist rosaries and the second is the “rita bead” core of the Himalayan soap nuts “Sapin...

Clearly this a very early ghurra showing greatly achieved carving art combined with thick crusted patina and significant signs of wear. The sculpture motifs represent on both side of the ghurra a scene of churning, supported by an interlacing which could represent snakes which it is however difficult to formally identify as the deposit is important and hides the details. The front and back sides of the ghurra are symmetrical H 31 cm, , width 9.5 cm , Thickness 3 cm

Very old mask from East Nepal, beautiful black patina of soot. Goat skin nailed to the forehead and chin, good age at least mid-20th century. Very hard wood, excellent condition, H 26 cm, width 18 cm, can be delivered on a metal base.

Old mask with a thick shiny black soot patina, the originality of the sculpture is based on an arrangement of rectangular shapes which fit into each other. We note 3 horizontal carved lines and a Shivaite trident crossing the forehead to represent the tika, Old traces of vermilion pigment on the forehead and old traces of glue which retain some hairs around the mouth, the ears are small and in relief on each sides of the mask. Probably gtom West Nepal. Hardwood, very good condition, H27 cm x 16...

Old mask with black patina, presence of goat skin with black hairs to represent hairs, eyelashes, eyebrows, mustaches and beard. The mouth is open showing the sculpted upper teeth. The top of the head is cut to represent the crown indicating an important man in his community. Very heavy and hard wood. Age at least mid 20th. H 32 cm