Catalog: Archives: Regional Art: Asian: Chinese (4)

Finely carved flat mask depicting Tudigon, the very popular soil deity in China, the hairs of the beard and mustaches are missing. Hardwood, dark brown polychromy with patches of black; Mid 20th century, hardwood, prrsented on an iron stand H 23 x 12 cm

Beautiful face of a court lady with natural wood patina with some dark marks suggesting that perhaps this mask has been cleaned. The hair is enhanced with black color (as it was when purchased in 2003) and grouped at the top of the skull in a bun. The interior shows the patina of an oxidized and weathered hardwood. Importantage at least early 20th, H 29 cm X 15 cm

Mask representing the Buddhist monk Heishan, old yellow lacquer polychromy., interior shows a patina of natural hardwood, imprint of an old label?, crack without consequence on the right corner of the mouth, traces of rodents on the right nostril, first half to middle of the 20th. H 23cm x 13cm

Obviously these two masks from the Nuo theater belong to the minorities of southern China. They constitute a set probably designed simultaneously by the same artist. One of the masks represents the monk Heshang and the second represents the jester Quintong. These masks date from at least the middle of the 20th century, that is to say about a hundred years. H 24 and 26 cm, presented on a metal base. More information and pictures on request