browse these categories for related items...
Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas: Pre 1800: Item # 1462031

Please refer to our stock # 1-1310 when inquiring.

Click to view additional online photographs

AfricAsia Primitive and Antiques
View Seller Profile
120 Impasse de La Borie
81170 Livers Cazelles, FRANCE
(0033) 6 32 63 98 15

Guest Book

Large mask representing the face of Mahakala with its typical terrifying expression, the features being carved in relief and the mouth in openwork showing teeth . At the top of the back of the head a small cylinder has been carved on a small platform. This cylinder was meant to contain a horse hair (often of white coulour), to decorate the mask. Wood, with obvious signs of great age and remains of woodworm attack (no more danger). Old accidents and old and local restorations on top of mask. Bhutan or Tibet, early 18th century, probably earlier. Height: 32 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Good condition. A rather rare piece. NOTE: This particular mask follows the classic aesthetic requirements of lamaist iconography: globular eyes (never pierced, as the mask bearer uses the open mouth to see outside), leonine furious face, visible fangs and tongue, the five skulls on top of the crown...