Catalog: Antiques (448)

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.

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

Rhyton, of conical shape, decorated at its base with the bust of a horse. Geometric design incised all over the body of the object. Bronze, with fine reddish-green age patina and traces of soil encrustations. Bactrian Civilisation, ca. 4th century B.C. Height: 11 cm. Very good condition.