Catalog: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Chinese: Folk Art (8)

Rare Nuo mask of Xiao Gui, the "Little Ghost" with his pointed cap. Half mask designed to facilitate talking and singing. During the Nuo ritual, the whole village wants to capture him because of his malevolent power.
The holes in the eyebrows and around the mouth were used to fasten hair, now missing. 21 x 16 cms. Beg 20th C. Hunan. NM 60; RM 149; MC 58 (see bibliography)

Traditional tobacco box made from water-buffalo horn used by the minorities in the south of China (Dong, Miao, Yao...).
It usually has 2 compartments, a big one for tobacco leaves, a small one for the tow.
Beautiful nature inspired carving.
Very good condition, old local reparation at the bottom (see pix) , beautiful patina due to great age and fair wear and tear. South China. H: 8 cms

Chinese leather armchair for shadow puppet's theaters ; floral design and bats. 11X17 cms. Shaanxi, first half of 20th C.

Brass toggle of equestrian monkey; the homophony of the expression "mashang fenghu" helps a civil servant to be promoted faster.
Good condition, partially oxidised (see pix). H: 4,5 cms. TCT 244 (see Bibliography)

Brass toggle of a monkey; expresses the wish for high office.
Good patina, very good condition. H: 3,5 cms. TCT 244 (see Bibliography)

Brass toggle of a horse; very good condition (see pix). L: 5 cms. TCT 244 (see Bibliography)

Cigarette holder made from a stag antler ; L : 9c

Traditional pipe made of bamboo and copper used by the minorities in the south of China (Dong, Miao, Yao...)to smoke either tobacco and opium.
Very decorated bowl made of metals of different colors, with bats on the side; beautiful patina. 43 cms.