Catalog (9)

Ancient mask of the traditional esoteric "Nuo" theater, representing the character of General Guanyu, wearing his helmet. Wood, with multiple superimposed polychrome pigments, meant to enhance the mask features, of which part is painted on paper glued to the mask. China, early 19th C. Height: 33 cm. The mask is mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition.

Intricately carved mask for the Nuo esoteric theater, representing the legendary character of Bao Gong, or Judge Bao, wearing a formal hat, his face in relief with a fierce expression, with bulging eyes, open mouth revealing fangs, and a stylised beard. Wood, with traces of the original polychrome colouring. China, 18th century. Height: 29.6 cm. Very good condition despite signs of old insect infestation (no danger).

Finely carved mask representing a demon, with expressive features, a protruding forehead bearing a third eye, protruding eyes, beaked nose, open mouth showing teeth. Wood, with remnants of polychrome painting. China, Qing Dynasty, early 19th century or earlier. Height: 23 cm. The mask,is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Old accidents and insect infestations (no danger), otherwise good condition. A very rare piece.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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. The piece is ve...

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.