Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (465)

Finely cast statue, with nice details, of Sadaksari Lokeshvara 'also knwon as Kharchheri, the "Lord of the Six Syllables" belonging to the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum". Sadaksari is sitting on a lotus throne, and has four arms. In one hand he holds the "akshamala", which serves to count the number of times the mantra is spoken. In the other hand he holds the lotus of absolute purity. Furthermore, he holds the magic jewel Cintamani in front of his chest...

Superb censer, richly decorated in relief with a chimera head on each side, the eight Buddhist symbols surrounded by foliage, the whole surmounting two levels of stylised lotuses. Reign mark beneath. White brass (or silver alloy) with a fine age patina. China, Qing Dynasty Guangxu period (1875-1908). Very good condition. NOTE: the censer is quite heavy.

A pair of Architectural ornaments carved in relief to represent female dancers, with symmetrical postures, inside niches. Wood, with age patina. Nepal, early 19th century, maybe earlier. Height: 29.7 cm. Provenance: acquired in Hong Kong from an antique dealer in 1989.

A pair of cylinder form long beads, one of dark blue colour, the other one of dark green colour, both decorated with geometric designs surrounding "eye" motives. Phoenician period mosaic glass, 6th to 4th century B.C. Some soil encrustation, otherwise good condition. NOTE: in several different ancient civilisations, be they of the Middle or Far East regions, the "eye" design was used since early times to protect against evil spirits.

A superbly cast mat weight, of circular form, with a fine decoration in relief representing a tiger attacking a large bird. The weight is made of bronze, with a beautiful red and green patina (a sign of great age). China, Han Dynasty. Dimensions: height: 6 cm, diameter of base: around 4.3 cm. Very good condition.

Himalayan altar dedicated to Buddha, with an elaborate arch with two pillars resting on two lions. The Buddha himself is represented standing on a lotus, in "varada mudra", and is surmounted by a small Amithaba Buddha above his head. Bronze, with fine age patina. Nepal, early 19th century. Height: 20.5 cm. Very good condition.

Statue of a household protecting deity, with minimalist features, standing in "namaste" posture. Wood, with dark patina probably due to soot. Nepal, 19th century. Height: 44.5 cm. Nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition despite some abrasion dua to age. Provenance: collected in situ in 1976.

Gilt bronze miniature of a standing character (a deity, if so God Baal?) with arms half raised, his hands holding ritual objects. Phoenicia, ca. 1000 B.C. Height: 83 mm. Gilding partly missing, otherwise very good condition.

A pair of antique architectural ornaments, in the form of mythical birds. Heavy wood, with fine age patina with a dark colour probably due to soot. Nepal, 15/16th century, maybe older. Height: 34.8 cm. Good condition. Provenance: acquired in Nepal in 1975.

Rare and beautiful seal made of banded agate, of circular shape, with an intaglio design representing the bust of a king surrounded by a greek inscription. Diameter: 2.7 cm. Slight abrasion due to great age, otherwise very good condition.

Miniature statue of a standing flautist, in formal robes, holding his flute with both hands. Bronze, with a beautiful red and green patina. China, Tang dynasty. Height: 7.5 cm. Obvious signs of great age, otherwise very good condition.

Miniature statue of a dignitary, in formal attire, kneeling, with joined hands. Bronze, with fine age patina. China, Han dynasty. Height: 9.4 cm. Good condition.

Three miniature primitive statues depicting Hindu gods, one sitting on a oval throne in praying posture, the other one sitting on a slightly elevated circular throne holding his attributes, and the third one sitting on a square base also holding his attributes. Bronze, with fine age patinas. Height: 42 mm, 37 mm and 31 mm. Good condition despite signs of great age.

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.