Large mask representing the face of a Protector of the Buddhist Faith ("gompo"), with its typical terrifying expression. Wood, with beautiful dark glossy patina and traces of original polychrome pigments. Old accidents and old and local restorations on top of mask (no danger). Bhutan or Tibet, early 18th century, probably earlier. Height: 14" (35,5 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Good condition. A rare piece...
Attractive bronze figure of Buddha seated on a double Lotus Throne and with a halo behind, Nepalese, c. late 19th.-20th. century.
Size: 25 cm. and quite substantial.
Condition: Good very fine, nice patina and intact copper seal in the base.
Ex. Danish private collection.
Antique Tibetan tsakli card depicting a wrathful deity (Heruka) wielding a sword and banner. He wears a tiger skin around his middle and a human skin tied around his neck. Painted in mineral colors on paper with Sanskrit description on the back.
Tsakli cards are powerful miniature paintings of Buddhist deities and objects. They have many different ritual uses...
Silver pot with an elaborate embossed decoration consisting in a dragon on its handle, a "makara" on its spout, Buddhist symbols on its neck, and dragons and stylized lotus on its body. Tibet, 19th century. Height: 14.5 ccm. Very good condition.
Early 19th century Sino-Tibetan thangka depicting 6-armed Bhuddist dharmapala Hayagriva easily recognizable by 3 horse heads in his crown. He is considered to be the wrathful form of Avalokiteshvara and thus the archetype of fierce compassion. He is wearing a tiger skin apron and a long necklace of human heads, holding various implements in his hands and trampling on numerous snakes...
Head of Bhairava with a fierce expression, wearing a crown of skulls, with flying hair. A small opening in the mouth allowed the insertion of a pipe (now gone), through which consecrated beer was flowing. Two loops at the back for attachment. Wood, with traces of red ritual material. Nepal, 19th century, maybe earlier. Height: 13" (33 cm). The head is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Very good condition.
Nepalese stone carving of a four armed Lord Vishnu, standing atop a lotus pedestal, holding in his hands a conch shell, a discus, a lotus blossom, and a mace. From Newar, Kathmandu Valley.
Malla period 16th century
Dimensions: 3 1/4" w x 1 1/2" h x 5 1/4" h
This small elaborate Buddhist monk's medicine bottle is sewn into a larger pouch of burgundy homespun wool fabric with yellow/gold silk lining. When worn, the stopper would be securely held in the bottle by a system of handmade cords and bands. The medicine bottle would be worn outside the robes and suspended on the Monk's belt. These were used for both travel and ceremonies.
18th to early 19th century Tibetan thangka in original mounts depicting six-armed Mahakala standing on a lotus base trampling on elephant headed Vigneshwara (Lord of Obstacles). Mahakala is an emanation of Boddhisattva Avalokiteshvara and the leader of the dharmapalas (Defenders of the Buddhist Law), his name means “beyond time/death”, and he represents the flow of time...
Antique pair of kapala, Buddhist ritual skull cups made of silver and mixed metal. Each cup stands on a triangular shaped base with repoussé flames and skulls. The cups themselves are rimmed with rows of tiny skulls and have lids with vajra finials. Show ritual use.
Age: c19thc/early 20thc
Dimensions: 4 3/4" high x 3 3/4" wide
Four Arms Avalokiteshvara (Tibetan: Chenrezig; Chinese: Sibi Guanyin), the Bodhisattva who embody the Universal Compassion. Seated in meditation with the upper hands holding a prayer beads and a lotus; the lower ones in worshiping Mudra ( Anjiali Mudra). Made of purple sandalwood (zitan), a very precious type of wood dear to Himalayan worshippers.
The image is painted and has remains of gilding in the halo. As it is normal for images of this type, it is assembled from several pieces...
17th Century Vajravarahi Tibetan Thangka. Fine Antique Tibetan Thangka of the Sakti of Samvara, Vajravarahi (Tibetan: Hod-zer Chan-ma), Goddess of War and Victory, with a necklace of skulls, a staff of skulls, a skull bowl, and a crown of skulls. She is dancing on a lifeless body surrounded by a mandorla of flames. Most of these thangka were photographed through glass frames, so there may be a little blurriness. This thankga was in an exhibition at the University of Texas Art Museum...
A well-painted thangka dating to the 19th century depicting Vajrapani. The painting measures 9" X 10" and has been sewn down onto a black silk backing (original). Free of any restoration, damage, or repainting. A fine example of this iconic Buddhist image.
This is an exceptionally well carved mask, dating, most probably, to the early 20th century. The artist who created this mask has invested it with a powerful and menacing presence, as the photos will, hopefully, show. The piece measures just over 11 inches in width and is intact, carved from a single tree fungus. A rare and powerful survival.
Very rare architectural element beautifully carved in the shape of a celestial being, maybe Garuda, flying and holding a vessel in his hands. Wood, with dark-brown patina. Nepal, 18th century, maybe earlier. Height: 14,5 cm. The piece is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Old insect infestation (treated, no danger), some losses, otherwise very good condition.
Gilt iron plate, of rounded triangular shape, finely cast in openwork, to represent a dragon in relief in clouds. Four coral inlays enhance the beauty of the plate. This plate is likely to have been part of a saddle decoration. Tibet, 18th century. The plate is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Length: 15.6 cm. Height: around 9 cm. Oxydation at the back due to age, otherwise very good condition.
Shaman's bracelet used during rituals meant to favor crops. Tha bracelet is decorated with two stylised men, each standing behind a plough drawn by two oxen. The rest of the decor consists in stylised plants and a circle (the sun?). The bracelet is made of bronze, with a beautiful patina. Himalayan Region, early 19th century, probably earlier. Inside diameter: around 8 cm. Very good condition. A very rare piece.
Antique Tibetan painting of a boddhisatva framed. The front and back are visible through glass panes. A crowned central figure, boddhisatva, sits atop a lotus bloom holding a white peony flower in his left hand. He is surrounded by 7 figures. 18th century. Mineral pigments on cotton. Measures 24.5" by 18.5", framed 29" by 23".