Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian (74)

Hardwood Nuo mask, big and heavy, representing an unidentified character with a very serene expression. Coat of red lacquering on plaster, long gone around mouth and nose (the red color is generally used to indicate courage, loyalty and devotion).
Very good condition (a few little chips on the back along the edge), very nice inside patina; 26x17 cms. Beginning of 19th C, Hunan. (see bibliography)

Ornemental silver hairpin with carved geometric patterns. Beautiful patina.
According to what women say, this kind of hairpin could be used to protect themselves in delicate situations. L : 8,5c. Beg. of 20th C, South of China, Dong, Yao and Miao minorities.

Stoneware opium pipe bowls with patterns and maker's marks.
Beautiful calligraphy; perfect condition. 19th C. D: 7cms.

Huangyangmu (rosewood) toggle of a ringed bottle gourd with a stopper, representing the gourd of Li Tieguai, one of the Eight Immortals, containing the magic potion. Symbol of longevity and protection.
Beautiful patina, very good condition, 2 small chips on the edges (see pix 2, 3, 5). H: 5 cms. TCT 94 (see Bibliography)

Huangyangmu (rosewood) toggle of a very elegant pair of shoes. Symbol of marital compatibility and fertility.
Good condition, beautiful patina. L: 4 cms. 19th C.TCT 84 (see Bibliography)

Traditional chinese ruler with engraved designs, figuring traditional houses, individuals and chinese characters ; L: 33 cms

Decorative and useful enamalled ear pick hair pin. Beg. of 20th C, South of China, Yao and Miao minorities. L:10 cms

Very unusual wood toggle depicting yin-yang and bagua symbols ; chips on some edges. D: 4 cms

Silver ear pick in the shape of a rat, Miao or Dong minorities, Yunnan, China. L : 6,5c

Small bronze statue from Sri Lanka, typical of the Ceylonese style. H : 10,5 cms, 19Th C, Sri Lanka

Huangyangmu (rosewood) toggle of a bat (bianfu) eating the peach of immortality. Symbol of happiness and longevity.
The bat has one wing folded. Beautiful patina, very good condition. L: 5,5 cms. TCT 119 ( see Bibliography)

Miao silver counter-weight used to hold the apron, stamped with the silversmith’s name in Chinese ; also supposed to hold the soul of the wearer. L:8 cms, H:6,5 cms.
Perfect condition, beautiful patina. CE p.300 (see Bibliography) . Miao, Guizhou, China.

Big "Bianlian" Nuo mask of Tudi Gong, the "God of soil" and grains, essential in an agrarian country. He is the main actor in Wunuo cult, usually represented with a smiling face, and long eyebrows and beard often missing or replaced later; when missing, we can see holes where the hair was fastened.
Bianlian means face changing: this mask has an articulated jaw which could be animated by the wearer...

Huangyangmu (rosewood) pipe ornament of a monkey riding a guardian lion; promotion and protection symbol.
The lion holds a mobile ball in its mouth; wonderful patina and beautiful colour, very good condition despite its great age, 18th C? H :4 cms

Antique silver protective amulet in the shape of a temple representing the horseman “Bhumiya Ray”, worn par Rajput, India ,Rajasthan. H : 4,5c. CE 228 (see Bibliography)

Miao or Dong bracelet made of silver.
Very good condition, beautiful patina. Inner width: 6,4 cms. BE 248 (see Bibliography)

Decorative and useful ear pick hair pin. Beg. of 20th C, South of China, Yao and Miao minorities. L:13 cms

Nuo mask of Kailu, "Open the path", god with a terrifying face (horns, fangs) who leads the funerary procession; his fierce face is intended to repulse the bad spirits (and the dangerous wild animals?).
Very rare big portrayal of Kailu with very big eyes and mouth, the only one of this kind i ever saw; 3 growing horns, big eyes and mouth, 2 fangs; ancient polychromia, nice patina...