Catalog (551)

Okimono nicely carved to represent a bearded dignitary standing, wearing formal attire. Ivory, fine patina. Japan, early 20th century. Height: 25 cm. Old accidents and restorations (see photos), otherwise good condition.

Very old small "korwar", or funeral altar, representing a human figure with a huge head, standing on a rounded base, legs half bent, and holding with both hands an elaborated openwork shield. Wood, with fine age patina. Indonesia, Papua Province, Cenderawasi Bay. Height: 23.7 cm. Strong abrasion due to age, old accidents, otherwise good condition.

String instrument ("saranghi") made of wood, decorated on its top with a human figure. Fine dark brown glossy patina. Himalayan region, early 20th century. Height: 42 cm. The sarangi is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition. NOTE: collected in Nepal in 1974.

Unusual architectural element, carved in the form of a smiling man standing on the head of a water buffalo ("carabao"). This element was part of the decoration inside a house. Wood, semi glossy patina. Indonesia, Flores Island, mid 20th century. Height: 44 cm. The element is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition despite some remnants of insect infestation (no danger).

Wayang topeng mask, finely carved in wood to represent a typical character of that theater, with strong features, painted in polychrome colours to underline some areas. Animal hair was affixed to the mask to represent the hair and the moustache of the character. A wood bar was affixed to the inside of the mask, probably to allow the bearer to hold the mask with his teeth as is done sometimes. An inscription made by its former owner indicates the origin of the mask. Indonesia, Ponorogo, West Java...

Old helmet mask, of typical form, with three faces surmounted by an elaborate coiffe. Wood, with fine age patina. Africa, Sierra Leone, Mende ethnic group. Height: 16 cm. Diameter: 17 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Obvious signs of use and age, otherwise very good condition.

Large Widekum mask, of typical form, carved in relief, with an unusual cap, pointed scarifications, slit eyes, small nose, open rectangular mouth showing teeth, protruding chin. The mask is made in wood covered with animal skin. Cameroon, Upper Cross River, West Grassland region. Height: 47 cm. The mask is mounted on a custom stand. Good condition despite slight abrasion due to age. Provenance: old French Provincial collection, acquired in situ early 20th century.

Ancient mask of oval flat form, with protruding forehead and nose, slit eyes, small open rectangular mouth showing teeth. Only one large hole on each side to attach the mask, and smaller holes around the mask probably to represent hair and beard. Wood, with remnants of kaolin colouring. Africa, Gabon, Fang ethnic group. Height: 32 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Tiny accidents, otherwise very good condition.

Face mask, with a cylindrical coiffe presenting a small relief in its middle of what seems to be a head and raised arms surrounded by geometric design, with a protruding forehead, pierced through sunken eyes, long nose in relief, pierced through mouth showing teeth, long chin. Wood, with remnants of polychrome pigments, aged patina. China, Yao ethnic group, early 20th century. Height: 12 1/2" (32 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Obvious signs of great age, strong erosion,...

Mask with a curved shape showing highly stylized features. Wood, with fine glossy brown patina. Nepal, early 20th century. Height: 28.7 cm. Small and old accidents, otherwise very good condition. A rare type of Himalayan mask.

Shamanic drum handle, carved in the shape of a "phurpa" (shamanic ritual dagger), surmounted with three deities heads. Wood, fine dark brown patina. Nepal, early 20th century. Height: 33.5 cm. Nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition.

Statue of a standing protector, his arms alongside his torso. Eroded wood, fine patina. Nepal, early 20th C. Height: 44 cm. The statue is mounted on a custom stand. Left leg partly missing, otherwise good condition. NOTE: collected in 1974 by its former owner.

A fine Noh mask, with strong features, representing the character of Ayakashi, the malign aspect of a general killed in battle. Wood, with polychrome and gold painting, eyes made of brass. The mask is signed. Japan, early 20th century. Height: 21.7 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition. NOTE: The name "Ayakashi" also refers to an apparition with mysterious spiritual powers, or a vengeful sea-dwelling spirit. Perhaps the best known Noh play using Ayakashi is ""Fun...

Nicely carved mask with refined features which suggest a feminine mask. Ivory Coast/Liberia, Dan ethnic group, early 20th century. Height: 24.5 cm. The mask is mounted on a custom stand. Ols insect infestation (no danger), old cracks, otherwise very good condition. Provenance: old French collection.

Statue of Kuan Yin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, wearing a diadem, a necklace and formal robes, sitting cross-legged, holding a bowl on her lap with both hands. Votive box at the back, lid missing. Wood, with traces of polychromy. China, Qing dynasty, early 20th century. Height: 29.5 cm. Soe light abrasion, otherwise very good condition.

Himalayan mask carved in relief, with a vivid expression. Wood, with a metal plate on the forehead and the chin to affix animal hair meant to represent the mask hair and beard. Nice age patina. Nepal, early 20th century. Height:29 cm. Very good condition

Very rare bronze quiver with four arrows, (their heads made of iron and shafts made of bamboo). The quiver is nicely decorated with geometric designs in relief and leather covers, with a nice reddish-green patina on the bronze. Dimensions: 54 cm long for the quiver and 40 cm long for the arrows. Cameroon, Kirdi ethnic group. Very good condition. NOTE: acquired in 1970 in North West Cameroon.

Very old face mask, of oval form, with minimalist cubistic features typical of this area. Strongly eroded wood, age patina. Indonesia, Timor island. Height: 31 cm. Mounted on a custom stand. Provenance: acquired in situ early 20th century, ex old Dutch collection.

Very old Dan mask with circular eyes, protruding forehead, long thin nose, protruding lips, small chin. This mask is of the "gunyeya" type, and was used during the running competitions which were organised to train men to run and fight. It is made of wood, with a fine dark brown glossy patina. Its height: 19.8 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Africa, Ivory Coast/Liberia, first half of 20th century. Obvious signs of use and age, otherwise very good condition.

Nicely carved statue of a fisherman standing on a rock, his face showing a large smile, holding a cane on which two fish are attached in his right hand, and his beard in his left hand. Bi-colored steatite. China, early 20th century. Height: 20 cm. Very tiny chips, otherwise very good condition. Provenance: old French collection. IMPORTANT: owing to the rather heavy weight of the piece, please consult us on the shipping cost.

Ceremonial hat made of intricately woven, partly dyed in red, cane, decorated with bear fur also dyed in red, feathers and two boar tusks. North India, Naga ethnic group. Height: 27 cm. Obvious signs of age, otherwise very good condition.

Statue of a Taoist exorcist ("yingong"), in formal attire, sitting on a throne, holding his commandment baton in his right hand and a bowl containing the lustral water in his left. Wood, coated with polychrome painting. Animal hair used to represent the moustache and the beard. Votive box at the back, lid missing. China, early 20th century. Height: 25 cm. Painting partly flaking, otherwise very good condition.

Noh theater wood mask representing the character of Shakumi, a middle-aged woman. The loose strands of hair give her the careworn air of one who has suffered and survived countless trials. Note the slight sag to her cheeks and the creases on either side of her mouth. She often appears in the role of a mother. Japan, early 20th century. Height: 21 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. A few signs of use, otherwise very good condition.

Rare mask of Mahakala, cast in great detail, with a fierce expression, the head surmounted by a crown of skulls, the open mouth showing fangs. Iron with polychrome paint. Tibet, early 20th century. Height: 17 cm. Width: 17 cm. Painting partly flaked, some oxidation, oitherwise very good condition.

Finely carved mask, with strong features and delicate painting meant to enhance the strength of the character it represents. The character depicted here is of Hashihime. The mask is made of wood, its eyes are made of metal. The mask is signed. Japan,Taisho and Early Showa Period (1912-1945). Height: 20.8 cm. Very good condition. NOTE 1: The most famous hashihime story comes from Tsurugi no Maki, in The Tale of the Heike, and is retold in the noh play Kanawa. NOTE 2:Here is the legend of Hashi...

Finely cast, with fine details, miniature statue of Bodhisattva Tara, the Buddhist Goddess of Compassion, wearing a diadem, a dhoti and jewelry, sitting on a lotus throne in "lila asana" posture with her right foot resting on a lotus flower. A lotus in full blossom is resting on each arm. Bronze, with nice age patina. Tibet, early 20th century. Height: 5.4 cm. Very good condition.

Dry lacquer mask of the traditional Gigaku Theater, finely carved and lacquered to depict an elderly man (old widower) with a long aquiline nose, full red lips forming a smile, elongated earlobes, and deeply carved wrinkles. The eyes and mouth are pierced. The back with a label inscribed inside deszcribing the mask and with the artist signature. Rich, dark patina. Height: 25 cm. Good condition with some wear and minor age flaking and losses to lacquer, tiny chips to edges. NOTE: This mask rep...

Fine lime box, made of silver with embossed decoration of floral and geometric design, its lid being adorned at its top with an embossed brass decor representing a stylised Buddhist Wheel of the Law. Beneath, an embossed design representing a stylised Buddhist Wheel of the Law surrounded by a floral decor. The box still contains remnants of lime, which is used for the betel. Tibet, early 20th century, maybe earlier. Dimensions: height: 4.8 cm, diameter: 6.3 cm. Very good condition.

Highly unusual mask, which has kept the original shape of the tree trunk from which it was carved. The mask itself is carved in a kind of "reverse relief", its features hollowed out, except for its nose. One round hole at ear level on each side. Wood, with brown semi-glossy patina. Himalayan Region, early 20th century. Height: 12" (30 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand which enhances its strange beauty. Erosion on some areas (forehead, nose and chin), otherwise very good con...

Very large mask representing the Hindu god Hanuman, one of the heroes of the Ramayana epic. Small ears, eyes in relief, long nose and upper jaw, open pierced through mouth showing teeth, large lower jaw. Two large holes at eye level to allow the bearer of the mask to see. Wood, with brown semi-glossy patina. Himalayan Region, early 20th century, maybe earlier. Length: 13 3/4" (35 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand which enhances its strange beauty and aspect. Very good condi...

Superbly decorated very old bear skull, with typically Dayak incised designs all over its upper part. Beautiful partly encrusted patina. Indonesia, Borneo Island, Dayak Peoples. Length: 9" (22,7 cm), height: 3 1/4" (8,2 cm). Lower jaw and and a few teeth missing --- though these factors do not impair the rarity and beauty of the piece --- otherwise very good condition. A very rare ethnographic artifact. IMPORTANT: export to the European Community countries only.

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.

Intricately decorated snuff bottle of baluster shape, with a detailed decoration in relief representing, from top to bottom, a geometric design around the neck, a monster on both sides holding a lozenge frame containing a lapis lazuli on one side and a coral on the other side, the foot representing a stylised lotus. The stopper is also made of silver with a lapis lazuli on its top, and a silver spoon. A small silver chain links the stopper to the body of the bottle. The piece shows remnants of i...

Small statue of a protector, with a high coiffe, sitting on a rounded base, his hands in praying posture. Strongly eroded wood. Nepal, early 20th century or earlier. Height: 32 cm. The statue is nicely mounted on a custom stand.

Dry lacquer Noh mask depicting the character of Kokushiki-Jo and designed to represent divine blessings. Inscription at the back of the mask. Japan, early 20th century, maybe earlier. Height: 20.4 cm. Some chips around the rim, partly flaked lacquer, otherwise good condition. NOTE: This mask is used exclusively in "Okina", an ancient dance ritual said to be close to the roots of Noh. Okina is viewed as sacred and therefore accorded a different status from other items in the Noh repertoire. Lack...

A very fine mask of the esoteric "Nuo" theater, representing the character of Tudigong, the God of the Soil and of the Cereals, wearing an official cap, his face illuminated by a large smile. Wood, with traces of polychrome colors under the black coating. China, early 20th century. Height: 23.7 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Very good condition.

Ancient mask, beautifully carved in heavy wood, with realistic features, representing the face of a snarling tiger. Wood, with remnants of the handpainted polychrome decoration. India, Gujarat or Maharashtra, Kukana tribes, early 20th century. Height: 27 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Old accident at lower jaw, very well restored locally. Acquired in 1974.

Old mask of the Noh traditional theater representing the character of Yamauba or Yamamba, with an emaciated face, dishevelled hair, and a sinister smile. The mask is made of wood, painted to ehance its features, and with brass eyes. The mask is signed. Japan, early 20th century. Height: 21 cm. Some abrasion due to age and wear, otherwise very good condition. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. NOTE: According to legend, Yama Uba or "The Mountain Witch" is a demon from Japanese folklo...

Cap mask or headdress carved from wood, covered with antelope skin and with a base of woven basketry for attachment to the head of the masquerade. Two antelope horns are affixed to the top of the mask. Remnants of human hair around the top of the piece. Several holes beneath the upper jaw suggest the former existence of wooden pegs to represent teeth. Africa, Nigeria, Ekoi/Ejagham Peoples, early 20th century, probably older. Height: not including the horns: 10 3/4'" (27 cm), altogether: 12" (30 ...

Rare, beautifully carved lime press for the betel nut, representing a female figurine standing on a rounded point, with her hands in front of her abdomen. Buffalo bone, with fine honey-colored patina. Indonesia, Sumatra Island, Batak Peoples. Height: 6" (15,2 cm). The piece is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Very good condition.

Cigarette holder made of ivory nicely carved in relief to represent a dragon chasing the pearl in the middle of clouds. Both tips are made of silver. China, early 20th century. Length: 9,8 cm. Obvious signs of use and wear, otherwise very good condition.

A fine tribal necklace made of conch shell, glass, bronze and bone parts. North East India, Naga ethnic group. Length: around 40 cm. Very good condition. Provenance: 1) old European collection, 2) auction sale.

Old tribal necklace, made of old glass beads with a bronze ornament in the shape of a fish tail. North East India, Naga ethnic group. Length: around 37 cm. Very good condition. Provenance: 1) old European collection, 2) auction sale.

Old tribal necklace, made of old red and yellow glass beads and small bronze bells, with a bronze ornament in the shape of three heads to indicate head-taking status. North East India, Naga ethnic group. Length: around 37 cm. Very good condition. Provenance: 1) old European collection, 2) auction sale.

Old tribal necklace, made of old glass beads of various colours with a bronze ornament in the shape of a double fish tail. North East India, Naga ethnic group. Length: around 34 cm. Very good condition. Provenance: 1) old European collection, 2) auction sale.

Old tribal necklace, made of old glass beads of various colours, with a bronze ornament in the shape of a human head, indicating head-taking status in the tribe. North East India, Naga ethnic group. Length: around 36 cm. Very good condition. Provenance: 1) old European collection, 2) auction sale.

Large and intricately created old tribal necklace, made of old glass beads of various colours and sizes, with bone separates and bronze tiny bronze bells. North East India, Naga ethnic group. Length: around 64 cm. Very good condition. Provenance: 1) old European collection, 2) auction sale.

Old tribal necklace made of twenty strands of old glass beads of various colours. North East India, Naga ethnic group. Length: around 29 cm. Very good condition. Provenance: 1) old European collection 2) auction sale.

"Khatvanga", a ritual object used during Tantric ceremonies, decorated with a crowned Citipati on its top, and incised geometric designs. Iron, with four inlaid bronze rings along the shaft. Tibet, early 20th century. Height: 23 cm. Strong oxydation, otherwise very good condition.

Very rare heavy hardwood mask, with strong features in relief, an incised sacred trident on its forehead (the traditional weapon of Hindu god Shiva), round metal added eyes, large nose and mouth. Beautiful age patina, with traces of original pigments meant to enhance the mask features. Himalayan region, early 20th century. Height: 27 centimeters. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Old accidents which do not impair the mask beauty and unique quality, otherwise very good condition

Unusual mask carved in wood, in the form of a skull face, with a strong expression in relief. Remnants of the original pigments meant to enhance the mask features. This mask, which was bever worn, was used by a "dukun" for ritual practices and ceremonies. The mask was found in the island of Java, Indonesia. Its height: 17 cm. Mounted on a custom stand. Despite signs of great age and old accidents, the mask is in rather good condition. Provenance: old Dutch collection. NOTE: A dukun is an Ind...

Large bracelet of flat shape decorated with a relief geometric design. Bronze, with dark-green patina. Philippines Archipelago, Mindanao Island, 19th century. Diameter: 4 3/4" (12 cm). Very good condition. Collected in the Philippines in 1978. A rather rare piece.

Large bronze bracelet of flat shape decorated on one side with several geometric designs inside which are remnants of silver inlays, and on the other side with a series of squarish incised geometric designs which must have contained silver inlays, now gone. Philippines Archipelago, Mindanao Island, 19th century, maybe earlier. Diameter: 4 7/8" (12,5 cm). A small dent on the outer rim, otherwise good condition. Collected in the Philippines in 1978. A rather rare piece.

Statue of a snarling deity sitting on a rounded triangular base. Bronze, with partly encrusted green and red patina. Indonesia, Borneo Island, Dayak Peoples. Height: 6 3/8" (16 cm). Very good condition. A rare piece. Note: the statue was acquired in Indonesia in 1974.

Round shaped beer jug, resting on rectangular flaring base. Iron, with a brass frame around the sides and the base. Traces of original gilding in the center. Central recessed area shows a "shou" incised symbol. This area is surrounded by incised foliate design on the jug body. Tibet, 19th century, maybe earlier. Height: 14 1/2" (36,5 cm). Heavy oxydization, frame partly missing around base (see photo), a few dents, otherwise good condition.

Beautiful 4-string lute ("saranghi"), the top in the shape of a head holds the four keys, the body itself is made of two parts of heart shape. Wood, with nice dark-brown glossy patina. The lower part is covered with animal skin affixed with tiny wood pegs. Himalaya, 19th century. Height: 22 1/4" (55,6 cm). The lute is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Obvious signs of use and age, otherwise very good condition. NOTE: this piece was collected in the early 1970s, during my 20 year stay in As...

Beautifully carved butter churner guide ("Ghurra' or "neti"), decorated with a relief rope and chevron design. Wood, with fine dark-brown patina. Himalayan Region. Length: 11 1/4" (23,5 cm). The piece is nicely mounted on a custom wood stand. Obvious signs of use and age, otherwise very good condition. NOTE: the "ghurra" was collected in situ in the early 1970s, during my 20 years stay in Asia.

Unusual small dagger, its handle made of horn and carved in the shape of a forearm and fist. The strangely shaped iron blade bears the craftsman's initials. Indonesia, Borneo Island. Length: 7 3/8" (18,7 cm). The piece is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Signs of long use, otherwise good condition.

Highly unusual statue of protecting deity or ancestor, its head surmounted by a circular crown which looks like a "stupa" or a "usnisa". The protector is squatting, its hands are in praying posture. Eroded wood. West Nepal. Height: 36" (41 cm). Obvious signs of great age.

Old scroll painting on paper representing a samurai resting beside a well. Signature on the right side. Japan, 19th century. Total height: 170 cm. Good condition.