Catalog: Antiques (448)

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.

Statue of Buddha, in formal attire, wearing diadem, his hands in didactic posture, sitting cross-legged on a double lotus throne. Lacquered and gilt bronze. Tibet, 16th/17th century. Height: 7 3/4" (19,7 cm). Tiny chips on base, otherwise very good condition.

Head of a lohan (or "arhat"), one of the 18 disciples of Buddha, wearing mustache and goatee, his face displaying a severe expression. Wood, with remnants of the original plastering (used to support a former polychrome painting, now gone), Eyes made of black glass. China, early 18th century, probably earlier. Height: 12" (30 cm). The head is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Some chips, otherwise very good condition.

Carriage bell of globular shape with a loop on top for attachment. Gilt bronze, with encrusted green and blue (malachite) patina. China, Han Dynasty Period (206 BC-220 AD). Height: 3 1/8" (8 cm). The bell is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Old accident, otherwise good condition.

Small statue of Hindu God Vishnu, with four arms of which two are holding his attributes, standing on an elevated lotus base. Bronze, fine dark green patina. India, 19th century. Height: 3 1/8" (8 cm) Base slightly bent, otherwise very good condition.

Very rare complete skull of an orang-outang, decorated with carved typical geometric designs and with the threatening face of a god or a genie on the forehead. The skull has kept its lower jaw which is attached to it with a sliced bamboo tie. The age patina is beautiful. Indonesia, Borneo Island, Dayak Peoples. Height: around 6 1/2" (about 16,5 cm). Very good condition. IMPORTANT: export to the European Community countries only.

Statue of God Chao Kung Ming, the Military Wealth God, dressed in military garb, half sitting on a throne, his left hand holding a coin, his left foot tramping the head of a dragon, his right leg resting on a lion. Votive box open at the back and still containing a paper. Lacquered and painted wood in gold and polychrome colors. China, 18th century. Height: 8 3/4" (22,2 cm). Old insect infestation (no danger), otherwise very good condition.

Superb "tsampa" bowl made of a wood core entirely covered with repoussé silver decorated in relief with the eight Buddhist symbols around its body surmounting a floral design. Beneath, a decoration representing a coiled dragon in relief framed by floral designs. Tibet, 19th century. Height: 2 3/16" (5,7 cm). Diameter: 4 1/2" (11,5 cm). A few dents, obvious signs of age, otherwise very good condition.

Funeral mask in the shape of a skull, with a protruding tongue. Eroded wood, traces of lichen on some areas. Indonesia, Borneo Island, Bahau Dayak ethnic group. Height: 32 cm. he mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Obvious signs of great age, old accidents, otherwise good condition. A rare piece.

Opium lamp inserted in a sort of cylindrical cage. A chain attached to the top of the cage allows an easy transportation of the lamp. The lamp can entirely be taken to pieces (see photo). Brass and glass. China, 19th century. Height: 6 5/8" (17 cm). Very good condition.

Statue of a taoist dignitary, in formal attire, standing with a martial posture on an elevated base. Votive box still closed at the back. Wood, with remnants of superimposed layers of polychrome and gold painting. China, 19th century. Height: 13 " (32,5 cm). Left hand partly chipped, old insect infestation (no more danger), otherwise good condition.

A superb tea kettle, its body made of copper, its handle and spout made of bronze and cast in the shape of dragons. On the lid , around the neck and at the base of the spout, a silver repoussé floral decoration. A chain links the lid to the body. Tibet, 19th century. Height:10 1/4" (26 cm). Obvious signs of use and age, otherwise very good condition...

Relief fragment in the shape of a Hindu deity head, the face reflecting a serene and slightly smiling expression. Sandstone. India, Ca. 15th century. Height: 6 1/2" (16,5 cm). The piece is mounted on a custom stand. Erosion due to great age, chipped nose, otherwise good condition.

Architectural element carved in the shape of a Hindu deity head wearing a formal cap. Nicely patinated wood, with old carpenter nails still inserted in some areas. India, early 18th century. Height: 26 cm. The piece is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Abrasion due to great age, partly chipped nose, otherwise good condition.

Statue of God Hung Hsien Tati, a protector, also called The Great Emperor, The Immortal, in military garb, holding a bowl in his left hand. He was probably holding a sword in his right hand, but the sword is now missing. The god's right foot is resting on his tiger, while his left foot is resting on a dragon. Votive box (open) at the back. Polychrome wood. China, 19th century. Height: 14 1/4" (36 cm). Good condition.

Head of Buddha, eyes half closed, its face reflecting a profound inner serenity. Wood, with remnants of the original lacquering and gilding. China, 18th century. Height: 10 1/2" (26,7 cm). The head is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Age cracks, otherwise good condition.

Statue of a standing eagle with an alert posture, its beak slightly open. Gilt bronze, encrusted green patina in some areas. Tibet, 17th century. Height: 3 1/8" (8 cm). The statue is nicely mounted on a custom black plexi stand. Very good condition. A rare piece.

Architectural element carved to represent Garuda, the vehicle of Hindu god Vishnu, half bird half man, holding the Naga snake in his claws. Wood, with light brown patina. Nepal, 15th century or earlier. Height: 6 1/2" (16,5 cm) Length: 8 7/8" (22,5 cm). Strong erosion, old insect infestation (treated, no danger), otherwise good condition.

Small statue of a Buddhist monk standing on a rounded lotus base. Bronze, reddish-green patina. China, Tang Dynasty period (618-907). Height: 1 7/8" (4,7 cm). The statue is mounted on a custom plexi stand. Erosion, otherwise good condition.

Disk decorated inside with carved geometric and interlaced designs. White jade, with rusty spots. China, Qing Dynasty period or earlier. Diameter: 3" (7,5 cm). Very good condition.

Small statue of Taoist God Chao Kung Ming, in military garb, with a martial posture, his right foot resting on his tiger. Votive box at the back (lid missing). Wood, with traces of the original lacquering. China, early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Height: 10 1/8" (25,7 cm). Traces of an old burn (candle?) several parts missing, strong erosion...

Ritual dagger ("phurpa") formerly used by a shaman during ceremonies. The phurpa is made of wood, and is decorated in relief from top to bottom with three deities heads surmounted by a point, above geometric designs of chevrons and knots, themselves on top of the three blades decorated with snake design in relief. Nice dark-brown glossy patina. Several textile knots are affixed on the handle to "protect" the shaman's fingers from the magic strength of the phurpa. Nepal, 19th century...

Small Hindu altar representing a female deity sitting on a platform backed by an arch. Bronze, with fine green patina. India, 19th century. Height: 4 1/8" (10,5 cm). The piece is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Very good condition.

Small relief fragment in the shape of a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni, in monk's robes, in meditation posture, sitting on a lotus throne backed by an aureola. Stucco, with traces of polychrome pigments. Pakistan, Gandhara Region, Graeco-Buddhist art, 1st to 3rd century. Height: 5" (12,6 cm). The statue is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Chips in some areas, erosion, otherwise good condition.

Gilt silver alloy Buddhist necklace. The decoration is comprising of a repousse design of Buddhas sitting in meditation posture alternating with floral designs. On the lower side similar repousse designs are affixed with loops. This necklace is similar in style to the ones which were made during the Bactriane/Gandharan period. Afghanistan, 19th century or earlier. A few losses, otherwise very good condition.

Rare half-mask of the esoteric Nuo theater representing a demon. Wood, with numerous perforations around the top of the forehead, above the eyes and below the nose in order to represent the hair, eyebrows and mustache. The mask was lacquered originally. It suffered an old accident which split it in two from top to bottom, but was restored a long time ago and locally with resin. Though the mask is more fragile than a mask without any accident, it is nevertheless strong enough now...

Statue of God Khandoba (an avatar of God Shiva), riding his horse, with his spouse Parvati on his left side, holding his sword with his right hand. Strongly eroded bronze. India, 18th century or earlier. Height: 6 1/2" (16,5 cm). Good condition.

Statue of HIndu God Krishna as a playing baby. Bronze, with fine green patina with reddish spots. India, 18th century. Height: 3 3/8" (8,5 cm), length: 3 3/8" (8,5 cm). It seems that the eyes were made of silver pieces affixed to the face, but that they are missing now, leaving a red trace. Very good condition otherwise.

Tsuba with openwork design of a falcon resting on the branch of an old pine tree. Iron, with remnants of gilding on the falcon eye and on the tree leaves. The tsuba is unsigned. Japan, early Edo period. Height: 3 3/8" (8,7 cm. Oxidation, otherwise very good condition.

Jeweler's mould, used to make gold or silver jewelry, decorated in relief inside to represent a dancing Hindu female deity ("deva"). Bronze with nice green and reddish patina. India, early 18th century. Diameter: 2 4/8" (6,7 cm). Very good condition.

Sutra book cover carved all over its surface with, in the center, a Bhaisajyaguru Buddha ("The Master of Healing") sitting on a lotus throne in a niche, and Tibetan characters on the rest of the surface. On one side, a monster head surrounded with floral designs is carved. Wood with fine dark-brown glossy patina and remnants of red pigments. Tibet, 15th century. Length: 53.5 cm. Erosion and chips, otherwise good condition.

Mask of the "Nuo" esoteric theater representing the character of Master Jiang, a respected professor. Polychrome wood, with animal hair under the nose and around the chin to represent mustache and beard. China, early 19th century. Height: 9 3/8" (24 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Very good condition. Publications: "Le Masque de Chine" by Yves Crehalet Actes Sud Publisher, France, 2007 (p. 148).

Mask which was used for the protection of a household against evil spirits. Wood, fine dark brown glossy patina. Nepal, early 19th century. 11 3/16" (28,4 cm). Old accidents (visible on photos), otherwise good condition.

Mask of the "Nuo" esoteric theater representing the character of Heshang, the Buddhist monk, with very expressive features. The mask was carved on wood, then paper was affixed all over its surface, on which polychrome pigments were painted. China, early 19th century, probably earlier. Height: 9 13/16" (25 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Paper partly flaked, and consequently the colors, otherwise very good condition.

Head of Buddha, its face with eyes almost closed reflecting a profound inner serenity. Wood, with numerous layers of polychrome pigments, lacquering and gilding. China, early 18th century, probably earlier. Height: 32 cm. The head is not mounted. Some flaking, otherwise very good condition.

Temple or palace architectural element, of corner shape, representing Garuda, the Hindu celestial being, in relief, wearing wings and holding the Snake. Strongly eroded wood. Nepal, 15th to 16th century. Height: 12 1/4" (31 cm). The piece is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. good condition. NOTE: this piece is rather heavy, so we recommend to consult us for shipping cost.

Ancient Buddhist book of sutras comprising of two thick lacquered and gilt cardboard covers decorated with 16 Buddhas sitting on a throne with their hands in bhumisparsa mudra posture. The central Buddha is flanked by two smaller buddhas, and at their feet are two small praying monks. The book has 42 X 2 pages (written on two sides) written in black characters. Burma, 19th century. Length: 15 1/2" (39 cm)...

Statue of Buddha sitting on a double lotus throne, his hands in "bhumisparsa mudra". At the center front and back of the throne, a small niche contains a relief representing what seems to be a Green Tara in regal repose posture. Inscription at the bottom of the front of the throne. Bronze with green and reddish patina. Laos, early 18th century, maybe earlier. Height: 6 3/16" (15,7 cm). Very good condition.

Very fine and rare statue of smiling Liu Hai dancing on a square base, with his three-legged toad at his feet. He is holding a vase in his left hand and a half coin in his right hand. Bronze, nice, partly encrusted green patina. China, Ming Dynasty. Height: 5 1/4" (13,3 cm). Very good condition.

Mask of the "Nuo" esoteric theater representing the character of Bao Gong, or Judge Bao, also named "King of Inferno" because he also goes down to visit the Inferno to inquire about the souls. The mask was carved on wood on which lacquer and polychrome pigments were painted. China, mid-19th century. Height: 12 1/4" (30,5 cm). Old insect damage (no more danger), otherwise good condition.

Small four legged portable Buddhist altar with a statue of bearded Bodhisattva Padmapani standing on an elevated and stylized lotus throne and holding a gourd in his left hand. Gilt bronze with partly encrusted green patina. China, Wei Dynasty period (386-534 AD). Height: 3 5/16" (8,5 cm). Gilding partly missing in small areas, otherwise very good condition. Ex. old German collection.

Large Buddhist ritual bell, with a lavish decoration of a "vajra" on its top, four deities faces below, and geometric and stylized lotus decor on its body. Bronze, with beautiful encrusted green and red patina. Traces of gilding. Indonesia, ca. 15th to 16th century. Height: 9 5/8" (24,5 cm). Obvious signs of great age, otherwise very good condition.

A very fine mask of the esoteric "Nuo" theater, representing the character of Tudigong, the God of Cereals, wearing an official cap, his face illuminated by a large smile. Wood, with polychrome colors. China, early 19th century. Height: 11" (28 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Very good condition.

Very rare eating set comprising of: 1) a knife with horn handle with iron tip with gilt decor, the blade itself beautifully forged and decorated with incised lotus design on one side and inlaid gold stylized dragon on the other side; 2) a nicely shaped wood sheath covered with red colored shark skin and with a farming made of iron lavishly decorated with incised and gilt floral designs; 3) a pair of iron chopsticks; 4) three toothpicks made of iron with nice decoration on tip. This set belonged...

Flint and tinder pouch, in the shape of an envelope made of leather with a heavy steel lower edge, and a loop on top to allow suspension from the belt. Lavish silver and brass decoration with three turquoises in the middle. Tibet, 19th century. Length: 5 3/4" (14,7 cm). Obvious signs of age, wear and use, otherwise very good condition. A rather scarce object nowadays.

Small statue of Bhairava standing on a lotus base, in an aggressive posture, holding Brahma's skull in his left hand, with his right hand raised threateningly. A demon is reclining beside his left foot. Bronze, with dark-green patina. Tibet, early 19th century, maybe earlier. Haight: 3 1/4" !8,3 cm). Lotus base slightly bent in front, otherwise very good condition.

Statue of Hanuman, the Monkey Gos, hero of the Ramayana epic, in formal attire, standing on a rectangular pedestal, his hands in praying posture. The statue and the pedestal were cast separately. The statue may thus be removed from the pedestal. Bronze, with fine dark-green patina. India, 19th century. Height: 4 5/8" (11,7 cm). Good condition.

Small statue of Ambika, with a tiny Jina sitting above her head, wearing a dhoti, standing on a pedestal backed by a large nicely adorned mandorla. Ambika holds a child in her left arm, and what seems to be a weapon in her right hand. The deity is flanked by her vahana animal, a lion, on her lower left side, and by another child standing on her lower right side. Bronze, with nice dark reddish-green patina. India, 16th century. Height: 3 1/4" (8,3 cm)...

Small altar ("zushi" in Japanese) made of wood, lacquered in black outside, gilt inside. The locking system as well as the hinges are made of beautifully decorated bronze. The altar contains a gilt wood statue of Buddha sitting cross-legged in meditation posture on an elevated throne backed by an aureola. Japan, 19th century. Total height: 8" (20,5 cm). Flaked lacquer at the base, otherwise very good condition.

A very finely cast statue of Bodhisattva Manjusri wearing diadem and formal attire, holding a book in his left hand, his right hand in argumentative posture. Manjusri is sitting cross-legged on an elevated lotus throne resting on the back of a stylized lion, itself standing on a rounded base. Bronze with dark-green patina. Traces of an original lacquering and gilding. China, early Ming Dynasty. Height: 6 1/4" (16 cm). Tiny part of diadem missing, otherwise very good condition.

Small stela dedicated to Bhairava. The Hindu god is standing on a corpse and holding the snake ("naga") in his right hand, a skull cap ("kapala") in his left hand, and his weapons in his other two hands. Black stone with remnants of ritual material. Nepal, circa 15th century. Height: 5 3/4" (14,5 cm). Mounted on a custom stand. Erosion, otherwise good condition

Small head of a female Hindu deity, her face reflecting a profound serenity, with a slight smile. Reddish sandstone. India, early 16th century. Height: 3 1/2" (9 cm). Mounted on a custom stand. Erosion, chip on nose, otherwise good condition. Provenance: Zemanek-Munster auction 2013.

Antique temple banner consisting in a long sort of ribbon made of paper on which a series of religious scenes showing Taoist gods and chimeras are hand painted with polychrome pigments. The banner is around 10 m long by 27 cm high, and is affixed to a wood stick on both sides. The piece is signed Zheng Fa and dated Xian Feng 6 (1855). It is coming from the South West region of China, and was painted by an artist who was a member of the Yao ethnic minority...

A fine pair of small baluster shaped porcelain vases, with a painted blue decor on white background of two dragons chasing the flaming pearl among clouds. Kangxi reign mark beneath. China, Qing Dynasty period. Height: 7" and 7 1/8" (17,6 and 18 cm). Old and very fine restoration around the neck of one of the vases (see photos), otherwise very good condition. Provenance: old French provincial collection.