Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian (419)

Lime box of round shape, its lid with embossed decor of the Buddhist Wheel of the Law on top, foliage design under it, surmounting a series of dragons in clouds below, the whole on an elaborate tiny lotus decor. The sides of the lid are decorated with a geometric incised design of a cross and a kind of Greek key. The sides of the body of the box are also decorated with this cross and Greek key design. Beneath the box, an incised decor of Buddhist svastika and flowers...

Superbly cast bird perch, of curved shape, with four dragon heads in the round. Bronze, with fine greenish patina. Himalayan Region, 18th century. Dimensions: length: 3 5/8" (9 cm), height: 3 1/8" (8 cm). Excellent condition. A rare and fine piece. Collected in Nepal in 1974 by its former owner.

Superbly cast bird perch, of curved shape, with two dragon heads and two bird heads in the round. Bronze, with fine greenish patina. Himalayan Region, 18th century. Dimensions: length: 3 3/4" (9,5 cm), height: 2 7/8" (7,3 cm). Excellent condition. A rare and fine piece. Collected In Nepal in 1974 by its former owner.

Statue of crowned Buddha, in royal attire, his hands in "bhumisparsa mudra" (taking the Earth as a witness of the veracity of his sayings), sitting cross-legged on a tall throne. A hole at the top of the crown suggests the presence originally of a finial, now gone, while a hole at the back means that the statue was held firmly in a niche via a tenon. Marble, with numerous remnants of the original pigments. Burma, 17th century. Height: 10 1/4" (26,5 cm)...

Statue of Buddha, in monk's robes, his beautiful, slightly smiling face reflecting a profound inner serenity, standing on what must have been a round lotus throne, now missing. Wood, with large remnants of the original lacquering and gilding, and numerous glass inlays. Glass eyes. Burma, 19th century, maybe earlier. Height: 14 1/2" (37 cm). The statue is nicely mounted on a tall custom wood stand which enhances its beauty...

Statue of a snarling deity sitting on a rounded triangular base. Bronze, with partly encrusted green and red patina. Indonesia, Borneo Island, Dayak Peoples. Height: 6 3/8" (16 cm). Very good condition. A rare piece. Note: the statue was acquired in Indonesia in 1974.

Small statue of Buddha wearing a diadem, in a meditative posture ("dhyana mudra"), holding a stylized beggar bowl in his hands, sitting cross-legged on a double lotus throne. Bronze, with thick encrusted green patina. Tibet, 16th century. Height: 5 1/2" (14 cm). Diadem partly chipped, a few tiny casting defects, otherwise very good condition. A rather unusual aspect of the Buddha image.

Small bowl of rounded shape, carved decoration of stylized lotus petals outside, with a short footring. Celadon, rather thick ceramic, with traces of light brown colour coming from a long stay underground. China, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Diameter: 5 3/8" (13,5 cm), height: 1 7/8" (4,8 cm). Slight glaze erosion in some areas around the rim, small chips at base, shape slightly warped, otherwise very good condition.

Nuo theater mask representing the smiling Tudigong, the god of the soil and of cereals in ancient Chinese mythology, wearing a formal cap. Wood, with traces of lacquer, fine dark patina. China, early 19th century, maybe older. Height: 11 1/4" (28,5 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Old local restorations from top to bottom, otherwise good condition.

Very old mask with an elongated face, with moon and sun signs in relief on the forehead, small eyes, long nose, open mouth showing teeth. Wood, with encrusted patina. Nepal, 18th century. Height: 10 1/4" (26,2 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Old accident from top to bottom restored locally a long time ago, otherwise good condition. Ex. old European collection.

Small architectural element, probably part of a tympanum ("torana") of a temple or palace door, of circular shape, carved in relief to represent the Hindu mythical bird Garuda head, flanked with wings, holding the Naga snake in its claws. Wood, with dark-brown encrusted patina. Remnants of red pigment (tika?) on various areas. Mortises at top and bottom sides. Nepal, 17th century, probably earlier. Length: 13 1/4" (34 cm). The piece is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand...

Rare and unusual statue of Vairocana Buddha, wearing diadem and monk's robes, sitting on an elevated lotus throne, his right hand in "abhaya mudra", his left hand resting on his lap, in didactic gesture. The front bottom side of the throne shows two small assistants (maybe Buddha's two companions, Ananda and Kasyapa) in relief, sitting in "regal repose". The back of the throne is incised with a long inscription (datation). Bronze, with fine encrusted green patina...

Small statue of a Judge of the Souls in Hell, in formal attire, sitting on a throne. Wood, with remnants of the original polychrome pigments on plaster. China, Ming Dynasty Period (1368-1644). Height: 7 3/4" (19,5 cm). Obvious signs of great age, otherwise good condition.

Statue of Taoist dignitary, in formal attire, his hands joined together, standing on a square base. The dignitary face reflects a profound inner serenity. Bronze, partly encrusted green patina. China, Ming Dynasty Period (1368-1644). Height: 9" (23 cm). Small dents/chips on base, otherwise very good condition.

Statue of Buddha, in monk's robes, eyes half closed, his hands in "abhiseka mudra", sitting cross-legged on a double lotus throne. Bronze, with large remnants of the original gilding and dark, reddish-green encrusted patina. China, Yuan or early Ming Dynasty, 14th century. Height: 7 3/8" (18,8 cm). Good condition. NOTE: "abhiseka mudra" is the mudra (hands posture) of anointing. It is very rarely seen in Buddha statues.

Finely cast statue of Bodhisattva Manjusri, in formal attire, his face showing a half smile, sitting in "rajalila asana" on a chimera or highly stylized lion, both resting on an elevated lotus throne. China, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Height: 9 1/8" (23,3 cm). Iron, with partly encrusted patina. Obvious signs of great age, strong oxydization in some areas, otherwise very good condition. A very fine statue. NOTE: "rajalila asana" is the king's posture. It is sometimes used on bodhisattvas statues...

Statue of the Judge of the Souls, standing in formal attire, holding the register of merits and demerits of human souls in both hands. Patinated wood, with traces of the original polychrome pigments in the recesses. China, early Ming Dynasty, probably earlier. Height: 13" (33 cm). Obvious signs of great age, old insect infestation (no more danger), left foot missing, otherwise good condition.

Architectural element (part of a beam, or a corner), nicely carved in relief and representing Garuda, the vehicle of Hindu god Vishnu, half-bird, half-man, in his anthropomorphic appearance. Heavy wood (probably from the Southern part of Nepal), dark patina. Nepal, 19th century or earlier. Height: 13" (34 cm); The piece is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. A few chips, otherwise very good condition.

Small mask representing the face of a "lakhe", an celestial entity which protects humans and households against evil spirits. Wood, with beautiful dark patina. Himalayan Region, 18th century. Height: 5 1/4" (13,5 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Old restoration at the back of the right eye, erosion due to age, otherwise very good condition. A rare piece in this size.

Lozenge-shaped gilt bronze plate, embossed to represent a concentric decoration of stylized lotuses and geometric design with, at the center, a coral intaglio in relief representing the Hindu God Ganesha. Height: 2 3/8" (6,1 cm), length: 3 11/16" (9,3 cm). The plate is nicely mounted on a custom wood stand. Beautiful green and reddish partly encrusted patina. Very good condition. A rare piece.

Small altar comprising of a statue of Green Tara sitting in regal repose on a lion, with a small statue of a worshipper on her lower right side, the whole group surmounting an elevated throne on four legs with, at the back, a large mandorla on the upper side of which stands a small Buddha in relief. Ancient inscription at the back of the mandorla (see photo). Bronze, with green and reddish patina in the recesses. India, 16th century or earlier. Height: 5 1/8" (13,4 cm)...

Highly unusual phurba lavishly decorated, from top to bottom, with stylized lotus, four deities heads separated by a pitcher and a trident, geometric design, a "makara" head with three Shiva tridents on top and snakes at the tip of the blade...

Five-tier inro made of paulownia decorated with a red and black lacquer design of chrysanthemums, with remnants of the original gilding. wood ojime in the shape of a human skull, simple wood netsuke carved in to a circle. Japan, 18th century. Height 3" (7,5 cm). Overall wear due to age, otherwise good condition.

Tsuba with a decoration in strong relief of a dragon among clouds. Iron, with heavy oxidization. Japan, mid Edo Period. Height: 3 1/16" (8 cm). Despite obvious signs of age, very good condition.

A very rare small box, made of embossed brass, lavishly decorated with various designs on its lid and body. On the lower part of its body the design is a series of "niches" containing effigies of deities and also the portrait in profile of an important person, probably a king. Superb dark-green and reddish patina. Tibetan characters beneath. Tibet, 17th century. Height: 3 3/8" (8,7 cm). il. Superbe patine.

Large head of Buddha, with a nicely rendered face, its slight smile and lowered eyes reflecting a profound inner serenity. Dry lacquer, with remnants of the original gilding. Burma,early 19th century, maybe earlier. Height: 13" (33 cm). The head is nicely mounted on a custom wood stand. Very good condition. IMPORTANT: owing to the fragile character of the piece and the necessity to make a very careful packing, please consult us on the shipping cost.

Very rare architectural element beautifully carved in the shape of a celestial being, maybe Garuda, flying and holding a vessel in his hands. Wood, with dark-brown patina. Nepal, 18th century, maybe earlier. Height: 14,5 cm. The piece is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Old insect infestation (treated, no danger), some losses, otherwise very good condition.

Realistic and superbly cast statue of a Taoist dignitary, standing in formal attire, holding an archaic vessel with both hands, with a slight smile on his face. Bronze, encrusted patina, traces of gilding in some recesses. China, Qing Dynasty, early 18th century, probably earlier. Height: 7" (17,7 cm). Old dent on the upper part of the back, otherwise very good condition. A rare piece.

Old ritual dagger ("phurpa"), beautifully carved to represent, from top to bottom, a protruding animal head, three deities busts, a stylized "vajra", and finally a stylized "makara" (water dragon) head on the three-blades point. The phurpa is made of wood, with a fine dark-brown patina. Nepal, early 19th century. Height: 9 3/4" (24,8 cm). The piece is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Chips at the top and bottom of the object, otherwise good condition. NOTE: Phurpas were and are still used...

Unusual small dagger, its handle made of horn and carved in the shape of a forearm and fist. The strangely shaped iron blade bears the craftsman's initials. Indonesia, Borneo Island. Length: 7 3/8" (18,7 cm). The piece is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Signs of long use, otherwise good condition.

Carved banded calcite/alabaster bowl with a small circular base. Exceptional natural color veins ranging from dark, pinkish and tan cream, carved to exploit the natural veining. Bactria, Ca. 3000 to 2000 B.C. Diameter: 4 1/4" (10,8 cm). Very good condition.

Highly unusual statue of protecting deity or ancestor, its head surmounted by a circular crown which looks like a "stupa" or a "usnisa". The protector is squatting, its hands are in praying posture. Eroded wood. West Nepal. Height: 36" (41 cm). Obvious signs of great age.

Statue of Kubera, the God of Wealth and Prosperity, wearing diadem and formal attire, sitting on a dais. The god holds the Buddhist umbrella in his right hand, while he holds the mongoose that spits the jewels in his left hand. The statue is made of gilt copper, with a nice green and reddish patina in the recesses. Tibet, 18th century. Height: 4 7/8" (12,3 cm). Very good condition.

Large mask representing the face of a Protector of the Buddhist Faith ("gompo"), with its typical terrifying expression. Wood, with beautiful dark glossy patina and traces of original polychrome pigments. Old accidents and old and local restorations on top of mask (no danger). Bhutan or Tibet, early 18th century, probably earlier. Height: 14" (35,5 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Good condition. A rare piece. NOTE: The terrifying expression that is shown on this type o...

Rare, beautifully carved lime press for the betel nut, representing a female figurine standing on a rounded point, with her hands in front of her abdomen. Buffalo bone, with fine honey-colored patina. Indonesia, Sumatra Island, Batak Peoples. Height: 6" (15,2 cm). The piece is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Very good condition.

Architectural element carved in the shape of a water dragon ("makara"). Wood, with fine dark-brown patina. Nepal, 18th century or earlier. Length: 14 1/4" (36 cm); The piece is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. A few chips, otherwise very good condition.

Old scroll painting on paper representing a samurai resting beside a well. Signature on the right side. Japan, 19th century. Total height: 170 cm. Good condition.

Ritual dagger ("phurpa") formerly used by a shaman during religious ceremonies. Wood, with nice dark patina. Textiles attached on top with a chain. Old restoration with a forged metal point on the lower part of the dagger. Nepal, early 19th century. Height: 13 1/4" (32,5 cm). The phurpa is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Good condition.

Very well hollowed out and beautiful moss agate snuff bottle, with a "tao tie" mask carved in relief on each side. Bronze stopper with turquoise inlays, bone spoon. China, 19th century. Height (without stopper)/ 2 1/2" (6,4 cm). Tiny chips around rim, otherwise very good condition. NOTE: this snuff bottle is so light that is is supposed to float on the surface of water...

Statue of Buddha, wearing diadem, his hands in "bhumisparsa mudra", sitting cross-legged on a lotus throne. Alabaster. Burma, 17th century. Height: 7 3/4" (19,7 cm). The piece is nicely mounted on a custom wood stand. Erosion due to great age, otherwise good condition. NOTE: originally, the statue was probably located in a niche. Provenance: old European collection.

Very old agate snuff bottle with of beige color with nice white inclusions in some areas. Silvered bronze stopper with large turquoise inlay, copper spoon. China, early 19th century, maybe earlier. Height (without stopper): 2 6/16" (5,8 cm). Very good condition.

Statue of Buddha Sakyamuni, in monk's robes, his hands in "bhumisparsa mudra", sitting cross-legged on a tripod throne. Bronze, with remnants of the original gilding. Thailand, Ayutthaya Period, circa 16th/17th century. Height: 6 1/8" (15,5 cm. The piece is nicely mounted on a custom plexi stand. Very good condition.

A fine cricket cage, composed of a body made from a gourd and a base, rim and lid made of ivory. The lid itself is nicely carved to represent a bird among flowers. China, 19th century. Length: 3 1/2" (9 cm). Very good condition.

Snuff bottle of rectangular shape with nice beveled sides. Jade, with beautiful brown inclusions. Silver stopper with coral inlays, silver spoon. China, early 19th century. Height (without stopper): 2 11/16" (6,7 cm). Tiny chip at base, otherwise good condition. Ex. old French collection.

Statue of Zhen Wu, or Xuan Wu, the God of the North, in formal attire, sitting on a rocky throne, under which his two attributes --- the snake and the tortoise --- are hiding, his right arm resting on a chimera. Wood, with remnants of the original lacquering and gilding. Black glass eyes. China, Ming Dynasty. Height: 10 1/2" (26,7 cm). Good condition.

Jar with a bulbous body and a flaring neck. Ceramic, with an unusual reddish glaze (most similar jars of this period are green color). Remnants of soil encrustations. China, Han Dynasty Period (206 BC - 220 AD). Height: 7" (17,7 cm). Small chips around neck and base, otherwise very good condition. Ex. Old French collection.

Statue of Buddha Amithaba in meditating posture, sitting cross-legged on a lotus throne. Gilt wood. China, 18th century. Height: 43.5 cm. Several chips, otherwise good condition.

Large and antique mask representing Bhairava, an avatar of Hindu God Shiva, with a terrifying expression. Wood, with traces of the original plastering and polychromy. Nepal, 17th century. Height: 19" (49 cm). Old accident --- the mask was split in two from top to bottom --- not very skillfully restored locally, strong erosion, otherwise good condition. A rare piece.

Statue of a Taoist deity, in formal attire, standing on a rectangular base on which a chimera or a dog is carved in relief. Two votive boxes, their lids missing, at the back. Wood, nice semi-glossy patina. China, Ming Dynasty period. Height: 12 1/2" (32 cm). The statue is mounted on a custom wood stand. Some loss at the base, chips, otherwise very good condition.

Rectangular shaped belt buckle beautifully carved in relief to represent a dragon "chasing the pearl". Two loops (one missing) at the back for attachment to the belt. Nicely patinated ivory. Length: 1 7/8" (4,7 cm). Erosion, a few chips, otherwise good condition.

Rare and important mask of Defender of the Buddhist Faith, with an aggressive expression, bulging eyes, open mouth showing fangs, sun and moon symbols on forehead, stylized beard. Wood, with traces of kaolin in the recesses. Himalayan Region, Bhutan or Tibet, 18th century, probably earlier. Height: 14 1/2" (38 cm). The mask is mounted on a custom wood stand. Old accidents, erosion, otherwise good condition. Provenance: Old American collection.

Very old and important grotesque mask, with an accentuated grinning expression. Wood, traces of black pigments. Himalayan Region, Arunachal Pradesh, Monpa Sherdukpen Peoples, 18th century, probably earlier. Height: 11 1/8" (28 cm). The mask is mounted on a custom wood stand. Strong erosion, old insect infestation (no danger), otherwise good condition. Provenance: old American collection.

Bust of Buddha, his face reflecting a profound inner serenity. Bronze with encrusted dark and reddish green patina. Thailand, Ayutthaya Period, Ca. 16th century. Height: 8 1/4" (21 cm). The bust is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Good condition. NOTE: a bronze plate was welded to the back of the bust, probably early 20th century, to allow the bust to be attached to a former stand, now gone (see photos). Ex. old French collection.

Very old mask of Defender of the Buddhist Faith, inspired from the God Mahakala, with a terrifying expression meant to ward off evil spirits. Wood, with nice slightly encrusted glossy dark patina. Himalayan Region, Bhutan or Tibet, 18th century, probably earlier. Height: 11" (28 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom wood stand. Very good condition. NOTE: Together with masks # 1-0761 and # 1-0762, this mask was acquired from an old American collection.

Old Incense burner of circular shape resting on three feet, decorated on all sides with dragons in relief. The two handles are in the shape of agressive dragons. Bronze, with green patina in the recesses. Reign mark beneath, probably apocryphal (Ming Dynasty, Xuande reign). China, 19th century. Height: 3 3/8" (8,7 cm). Diameter: 5 7/8" (15 cm). Very good condition.

Statue of Buddha Amitabha (or "Amitayus"), wearing diadem and sitting cross-legged on a double lotus throne. Amitabha holds a vase containing the nectar of immortality on his lap. Gilt bronze, the face itself is cold-gilt. Tibet, 18th century. Height: 6 1/4" (16 cm). Gilding partly eroded, otherwise very good condition.

Head of Bhairava with a fierce expression, wearing a crown of skulls, with flying hair. A small opening in the mouth allowed the insertion of a pipe (now gone), through which consecrated beer was flowing. Two loops at the back for attachment. Wood, with traces of red ritual material. Nepal, 19th century, maybe earlier. Height: 13" (33 cm). The head is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Very good condition.

Small statue of Kuan Yin, in formal attire, sitting in "rajalila asana" (king's posture) on a highly stylized lion, itself resting on a lotus base. Bronze, with large remnants of lacquering and gold paint, nice green patina. China, early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Height: 6 1/4" (15,8 cm). Chip at the back of the base, small loss on the diadem, otherwise very good condition. A truly beautiful casting.

Shamanic face mask of oval shape, with minimalistic features. Wood, traces of black resin under the nose for attachment of a mustache made of animal hair (now missing). Nice dark patina. Nepal, early 19th century, probably earlier. Height: 9 1/2" (24 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Old accidents and chips, otherwise good condition.

Statue of Bodhisattva Manjusri, wearing formal robes and diadem, his hands in a rare posture that is similar to "buddhapatra mudra" (mudra of the bowl), sitting cross-legged. Lacquered and gold painted bronze. Tibet, 17th century, probably earlier. Height: 6 3/4" (17,2 cm). Old accident on left forearm and base, otherwise good condition.