Old Small Mask, Rai people , Nepal, Himalaya

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas Pre 1950: item #630481
HP/Ma 0127

A very small size mask showing a very precise carving, this mask probably figure an ancestor from Rai community. The barb and the moustaches are figured by regular geometrical carving, very symmetry of the nose and the eyes. East part of Nepal, very nice brownish patina , with some area of deep black patina inside, very strong wood with few natural chips, obvious signs of important age and use, at least from mid to early 20 th. Very good condition. presented on a metallic stand height 9 1/8 inch... Click for details

Nepalese Cotton Box, Kathmandu Valley

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas Pre 1960: item #628586
19803

Covered boxes of this shape and size originated with the Newar people of the Kathmandu valley in Nepal and were used to hold cotton for spinning.

Carved from locally grown hardwoods, they are fine examples of the woodworking skills of the Newar carpenters.

This box measures 9-1/2 by 3-1/2 by 5 inches. It is missing what was probably a square ... Click for details

Old Hairy Mask, Nepal, Himalaya

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas Pre 1950: item #628120
HP/Ma126

A mask from Gurung people, from Lamjung district, also classified as Siberian Type, central Nepal, the hairs the barb and the moustache are figured by pieces of old skin and hairs of goat very roughly fixed with nails. Obvious signs of good age mid XXth, possibly earlier, few chips but good condition, presented on a metallic stand, Height 10 inches (25.5cm).

Himalayan mask, west Nepal,

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas Pre 1940: item #628118
HP/Ma124

A classic anthropomorphic design, with a big nose, nice reddish patina which is the original color of this kind of wood which is turning red when aging after being cut. Obvious signs of great age around 80 y i.e. early XX century. This mask is coming from Magar community from Rukkum district. Except few chips, the piece is in very good condition and is presented on a metal stand. Height 9 1/3 inches (23.5 cm) Wide 5 3/4 inches (14.5cm).

Very Old Wooden Printing Block N°3, Himalaya

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas Pre 1950: item #624929
HP/PB123

A very old printing wood block used to print tibetan prayer flag, this one figures the famous deity Garuda. Garuda is a half-man and a half-bird and is also shown under several forms. Garuda is the vehicle of Vishnu. In this carving, one can identify an eagle face holding a snake in its mouth, open wings and legs with claws. The body is covered with holy writing. Note that carving of letters is somewhat tricky as they should be carved upside down !!! Very precise carving. These blocks are still ... Click for details

Wooden Printing Block N°2, Himalayan Regions

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas Pre 1970: item #624928
HP/PB122

Printing wood block used for a prayer flag, representing three lamas, probably three Bodhisattvas as they all have the gesture of argument ("Vitarka Mudra"). In this gesture the tips of thumb and index fingers touch each other, forming a circle, whereas all other fingers are extended upwards. These blocks are still used to print prayer flags (also called "lungta", "lung" means wind, "ta" means horse), so lunta means "who is riding the wind". The printing process is as follows: the block is cover... Click for details

Very Old Wooden Printing Block N°1, Himalaya

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas Pre 1940: item #624927
HP/PB121

Very old printing wood block used for the Tibetan prayer flag, representing the "Chatra" (the Buddhist holy parasol). It is a symbol of Buddhist goddesses such as Pancharaksa, Usnisasita. It protects from evil spirits. It is one of the eight symbols of good luck in Buddhism. This block has been directly collected from a Tamang community in the Solu district (Central Estern Nepal). In fact, the block was broken into two parts and thus was useless. It has then been nicely fixed and restored. The p... Click for details

Himalayan Primitive Figure, Nepal Himalaya

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas Pre 1950: item #613610
HP/ST0115

A primitive figure standing in the well identified Namaste position. The figure stands in the sitting position. The legs are carved but remains attached to the body, the hands are joined in the Namaste position to pay respect to the audience. The figure is covered with white mineral pigments and shows old traces of insects (no more present). Hard red wood but very dry which indicates a great age, much over 50 years, from first mid of the 20th century. Except the lack of a knee and cracks due to ... Click for details

Himalayan Primitive animist Figure, Nepal, Himalaya

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas Pre 1950: item #613609
HP/ST0114

A small primitive figure with an unusual face and carving. The face of this figure demonstrates a very special attitude likely illustrating a smiling attitude, the presence of ears is also unusual in this type of primitive figure. It is possible that the carving is figuring a monkey, possibly referring to Hanuman, the mythological god of the Ramayana. The figure stands in the sitting position. The legs are completely carved and detached from the body, the hands are missing but were likely joined... Click for details

Mask from Magar people, Nepal, Himalaya

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas Pre 1960: item #612670
HP/Ma0110

A flat interesting mask with minimal design showing three carvings on the forehead, the two on the side clearly represent moon whereas the middle one could possibly figures the sun. This mask has been collected from Magar tribes from Western Nepal The eyes and the mouth are pierced through with a strict symmetry. The mask is covered by a really good black and tick shinning patina, the inside also shows a very good dark patina indicating obvious signs of good use. Age is likely close to 50 years... Click for details