Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian (419)

Ancient scroll painting representing Hell, with, at the center, King Yan, the God of Death and the ruler of Diyu surrounded by his assistants, among which the Judge of the Souls with his book listing every soul. Below are shown other judges, and demons which torture souls which were judged as not worthy of the heaven of the gods. This polychrome painting on paper was done in the early part of the 19th century, by an artist belongning the Yao ethnic minority residing in the South of China...

Statue of Buddha, his face reflecting a profound inner serenity, wearing monk's robes, sitting on an elevated throne, his hands in "bhumisparsa mudra". Slightly eroded alabaster. Height: 24.4 cm. Very good condition. Note: The statue was hollowed out inside, a feature which is quite rare, such statues being carved outside only.

Mask of the Noh Theater representing the character of Shishiguchi. This finely carved from wood mask shows a face with powerful features, with polychrome pigments to enhance its fierce expression. Its height: 25.5 cm. Nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition. NOTE: Shishiguchi means litterally "The Lion's Mouth" This mask is mainly used to interpret the spirit of the lion in a scene of "Shakkyo", a Noh play from which all the lion dances of Kabuki theater are originating.

Statue of Bodhisattva Manjusri, the Lord of Wisdom, wearing a diadem, jewels and a dhoti, sitting cross-legged on a double lotus throne, his right hand holding the sword that kills ignorance, his left hand holding a lotus on top of which a book is placed. Bronze, with remnants of the original lacquering and gilding. Tibet, late 19th century. Height: 22.5 cm. Very good condition.

Gilt bronze five prong vajra (or dorje), resting on a lotus stand also made of gilt bronze. Intricate details on the vajra, especially the "makara" heads from which four prongs are protruding, but also around the center part. The stand is also finely cast, and shows an incised "four vajra" design beneath. Tibet, late 19th century. Total height: 20.3 cm. Vajra length: 17.8 cm. Stand diameter: 8 cm. Gilding partly missing, otherwise very good condition