Catalog (29)

Nepalese house protective figure, beautifuly eroded by the elements and time.
Probably Jajarkot region. H : 39 cms. Cf pic.6 (JP Girolami) : Jumla region, chetri house

Old pair of Tibetan rosary made of metal, copper, leather ; dorje and bell L : 13 cms
Wear and tear due to usage and age. Tibet, China

Tibetan thogchag figuring Chanadordje, 3,5 x 3,5 cms

Strap made of a piece of thick leather, and cast silver and brass ornaments with turquoise.
Beautiful typical Sino-Tibetan craftsmanship including the face and hands of Kirtimukha ("face of glory").
This kind of strap was mainly used to attach a big knife.
This belt strap has obviously been repaired and remade (see pix). The turquoise have been replaced by an other old one; the silver and brass pieces are at least 19th C. L w leather : 23 cms, L of silver pieces : 8 cms.T...

Hardwood shamanic Phurbu of traditional structure representing the 3 faces of the Shaman; interesting Makara's head, transformation of the shaman and representation of the Bhumba ; metal ending.
Beautiful usage patina. Nepal, Tamang ethnic group. 34 cms

Very deep and heavy Nuo mask of a serene unidentified character with very long ears, ancient polychromia, perfect condition, beautiful patina.
At least 18th. C, probably Ming Dy. 18 x 17 cms. Yunnan, China.(see bibliography)

Very old Nuo mask of Heshang, the Buddhist Monk, serene and smiling ; usually has a red circle of holyness on the forehead (we can see trace of it) and very long ears.
Very rare "bianlian" (changing face), eyes and mouth moveable, they can be animated from the inside by the wearer;
Old native restorations around the chin, 21 x 15 cms, 18th C. or before. Guizhou, China. RM 142-207-245; MC 48 (see bibliography)

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

Very beautiful and delicate antique lacquered mask of Xienfang Xiaojie, Miss Vanguard, wearing her characteristic phoenix headdress ; very expressive handwork, remnants of original marouflage.
Due to its quality and sophistication, this mask is probably a rare « court » nuo mask which belonged to the same set as M-T1Q. Very good condition, some lacquer missing (see pix). 24 x 16 cms. 19th C or before. RM 93,145,163; MC 122-125 (see bibliography)

Very big and beautiful antique lacquered 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.
This particular one still has its original moustache and beard ; very high and beauttiful headdress, very expressive and detailed handwork.
Due to its quality and sophistication, this mask is probably a rare « court » nuo mask which belonged to...

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.
Good condition, small chip at the back of the forehead and old native restoration between the corner...

Tsakali (miniature painting for meditation) ; 8,5 x 8 cms

Antique Nuo Mask of Tudi Gong, the "God of soil" and grains; fundamental in an agricultural country; usually represented with a smiling face, and long eyebrows and beard; the hair figuring those is often missing, or has been renewed; when missing, we can see the holes where the hair was fastened.
Small mask for children with very high headdress, very nice backside patina, remnants of old polychromia; old native restorations with metal and leather, nick in the left eyebrow; 19x11...

A lot of 3 Tsakalis (miniature painting for meditation) ; each ap :9,5 x 8 cms

A lot of 3 Tsakalis (miniature painting for meditation) ; each ap : 9 x 8 cms

Antique Tibetan Thangka representing Four Hands CHENREZIG, Tibetan Buddha of Compassion, standing in a mountainous landscape and surrounded by deities including Taras.
Pigments on canvas. Very good condition. End of 19th C. 75 x 52 cms.

Handle of the drum of a Thamang shaman figuring the 3 faces of the shaman.
Beautiful and deep encrusted patina. L : 32c, 37c with tenon. Nepal

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.
Very nice carving and polychromy, beautiful inside patina, very good condition.
These masks among others often used, were recoloured regularly; 22 x 12 cms; end of 19th C. Hunan. NM 53; RM 144,146,...