Catalog (555)

A fine gilt bronze appliques, possibly belt or harness fittings, of square shape, with well cast relief decoration of a reclining animal. China, Liao Dynasty (916-1125). Height:2.3 cm. Very good condition.

Pua kumbu woven on cotton to represent chimeras, birds together with foliage and geometric design. Natural red, brown and blue colours. Sarawak (Eastern Malaysia), Iban peoples. Length: 220 cm. Width: 117 cm. Very good condition. Acquired in Singapore in 1978.

Pua kumbu woven on cotton to represent chimeras, birds together with foliage and geometric design. Natural red, brown, white and blue colours. This pua kumbu is made of two parts stitched together. Sarawak (Eastern Malaysia), Iban peoples. Length: 228 cm. Width: 107 cm. Very good condition. Acquired in Singapore in 1978.

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.

Small head of a female Hindu deity, her face reflecting a profound serenity, with a slight smile. Pink sandstone. India, early 16th century. Height: 4" (10,1 cm). Mounted on a custom stand. Erosion, chip on nose, otherwise good condition. Provenance: Zemanek-Munster auction 2013.

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.

Small porcelain jar, of bulbous form, decorated with several symbols painted in dark blue on white background. China, early Qing Dynasty. Height: 8.7 cm. Very good condition.

Ivory netsuke representing a teacher sitting beside his disciple, the latter holding a book with his right hand and a "shishi lion" mask with his left hand. The netsuke is signed, also bears a small red mark, beneath. Japan, 19th century. Length: 40 mm. Height: 24 mm. Very good condition.

Finely cast small statue of Krishna depicted, according to tradition, as a mischievous boy, reclining and stealing the butter ball. Krishna is wearing a diadem, at the back of which is a loop suggesting that this statue was originally used as a pendant. Bronze, with with partly encrusted reddish green patina, with traces off ritual material. Nepal, 17th century. Length: 4.9 cm. height: 4.3 cm. Very good condition.

Ritual spoon, its handle carved in the shape of a male ancestor wearing cap and bracelets on arms and legs. A very rare feature is that the ancestor is also wearing a Christian cross at the end of a long necklace. Indonesia, Flores Island. Height: 8 7/16" (21,5 cm). Old accident, restored locally, at the junction between the spoon and the handle, tiny chips, otherwise good condition. A truly rare piece.

Fertility amulet carved in the shape of a male infant standing and holding a lotus flower. Ivory, with a fine patina. China, 18th century. Height: 2 1/8" (5,4 cm). The pice is nicely mounted on a custom plexi stand. Very good condition.

Ritual spoon used for Hindu religious ceremonies, of elongated shape, its top decorated with a relief representing Hanuman, the Monkey Hero of the Ramayana epic, with four arms, sitting on a lotus throne and backed by an aureola. The spoon is made of bronze, with a fine patina. The relief, also made of bronze, is affixed to the spoon with two copper rivets. Nepal, early 18th century. The piece is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Height (without stand): 11 1/2" (29,2 cm). Obvious signs of age, o...

Lime box of rectangular shape, with its lid, and four compartments also with lids. Bronze, with fine silver inserts representing floral and geometric designs. Islamic art, early 19th century. Length: 14.7 cm. Height: 7.3 cm. Silver inserts partly missing and some erosion due to age, otherwise very good condition. NOTE: this pice was collected in 1979 in Mindanao island, south of the Philippines archipelago. IMPORTANT: owing the the heavy weight of the box, please consult us on the shipping c...

Miniature amulet representing Buddha (probably Amitayus, holding the nectar of immortality on his lap), sitting cross-legged on two tigers. The presence of the two tigers is a very unusual and rare image of the Buddha. A loop, for attachment to a necklace, is on its top. Bronze, with encrusted green patina. Gandhara Civilisation, 1st to 5th century. Height: 4.1 cm. Good condition.

Miniature statue of a Lokapala, in military garb, standing in martial posture on rocks. Gilt bronze, with fine patina. China, Tang Dynasty. Height: 7.1 cm. Abrasion due to age, otherwise very good condition.

Head of a deity, probably one of the Hindu deities. However, the shape of the top of the head and the presence of a usnisa above the forehead may suggest that this is an early representation of the head of Buddha. The head is made of wood, with a beautiful dark brown crusty patina. India, 15th/16th century. Height: 21 cm. Very good condition despite a few age cracks.

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.

Finely cast statue of Buddha, in monk's robes, sitting cross-legged on a double lotus throne, his hands in bhumisparsa mudra. The lotus throne is nicely sculpted partly in openwork, on its lower part. Bronze, with fine age patina. Burma, Ava Style, 18th century. Height: 13 cm. Very good condition. Provenance: old Dutch collection.

Suoerbly cast five prong vajra, with delicate details, on the makara heads, as well as on the stylised lotus. Bronze with fine dark patina. Tibet, mid 20th century, maybe earlier. Length: 12 cm. Very good condition.

Helmet "ngontang" mask with four faces of circular form and a top of cross form. Wood with white and black pigments. Old collection mark inside. Africa, Gabon, Fang ethnic group. Height: 19.5 cm. Diameter: 15.5 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Abrasion, otherwise good condition. Provenance: French provincial auction sale.

Partly gilt wood statue of Buddhist goddess Sho Kannon Bosatsu (one of the many forms of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara), wearing formal robes, and a diadem with a small stylised Amithaba on the front, standing, her hands joined to hold a bowl. The goddess face reflects a profound meditation. Fine age patina. Japan, Edo period, early 19th century, maybe earlier. Height: 24.2 cm. Old insect attack on the right side (no more danger), otherwise 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...

Janus-shaped helmet mask, the two back-to-back faces of a similar expression, surmounted by a semi circular flat coiffe. Wood, with glossy age patina. Africa, Nigeria, Idoma Peoples. Height: 14" (35 cm). Old insect infestations (no danger), small accidents and chips, otherwise very good condition.

Finely carved dance crest representing a female bust with an elaborate coiffe. Wood, with glossy dark-brown patina. Africa, Nigeria, Idoma Peoples. Height: 11 1/8" (28,2 cm). The piece is nicely mounted on a custom bronze stand. Old insect infestation (no danger), otherwise very good condition. Ex. old French collection.

Architectural element, of triangular form, finely carved in relief to represent a celestial being, half chimera half human, carrying a banner and surrounded by clouds. Wood, age patina. Nepal, 18th century. Length: 36.5 cm. Nicely mounted on a custom stand. Good condition.

A finely carved lime box, its body in the form of a cone surmounting a flaring cylinder, decorated with three levels of an elaborate geometric design which is changing at each level. The stopper itself is decorated with two human heads back to back surmounting the neck adorned with a necklace. A bone spoon and a bone point are attached to the stopper, the link adorned with wood beads and tiny old glass beads. Fine age patina. Indonesia, Timor island. Height: 16.5 cm. Very good condition.

Household protector made of wood, carved to represent two Janus type heads surmounted by horns. This protector was installed on top of a house roof. Beautiful age patina. Indonesia, Timor Island. Height: 26 cm. The piece is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Very good condition. NOTE/ The piece is heavy, so please consult us for the shipping cost.

Rare gilt bronze pendant, of oval form, with a finely embossed decoration representing a noble lady being taken care of by two servants, under a tree, the whole scene surrounded by geometric design. Small cylindrical loop for attachement to a necklace. Nice patina. Bactrian Civilisation, ca. 500 BC. Length: 10 cm, height 9 cm. Very good condition.

Finely cast gilt bronze statue of Hindu god Vishnu, wearing a diadem with a flaming aureola at the back, necklaces bracelets and a dhoti, holding his attributes with his four arms. The god is standing on and backed by the Naga. India, late 19th century. Height: 15 cm. Very good condition. NOTE: Images of Vishnu typically depict him with four arms, holding his attributes: the club, wheel, conch and lotus flower. The club is a symbol of Vishnu's divine power, and the wheel, a symbol of the sun. ...

Rare gilt bronze pendant, of circular form, with a finely embossed decoration representing a soldier beating a seated man with a whip, the whole scene surrounded by geometric design. Small cylindrical loop for attachement to a necklace. Nice patina. Bactrian Civilisation, ca. 500 BC. Diameter: 9.3 cm. Very good condition. NOTE: we offer for sale another Bactrian Civilisation gilt bronze pendant which bears number 1-1376.

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.

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...

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...

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.

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...

Statue of the Judge of the Souls, standing in formal attire, holding the register of merits and demerits of human souls in both hands. Patinated wood, with traces of the original polychrome pigments in the recesses. China, early Ming Dynasty, probably earlier. Height: 13" (33 cm). Obvious signs of great age, old insect infestation (no more danger), left foot missing, otherwise good condition.

Rectangular shaped belt buckle beautifully carved in relief to represent a dragon "chasing the pearl". Two loops (one missing) at the back for attachment to the belt. Nicely patinated ivory. Length: 1 7/8" (4,7 cm). Erosion, a few chips, otherwise good condition.

Statue of a grinning demonic spirit or "yaksha", standing on stylised clouds, with an elaborate hairdo, wearing ribbons and a sort of "dhoti" with a belt decorated with a tiger head, holding with his left hand a dragon coiled around him. The statue aesthetic style is influenced by Tang dynasty art style. Glass, with remnants of gilding. China, 19th century. Height: 19.2 cm. Very good condition.

Miniature altar representing Hindu god Shiva and his wife Parvati, standing, and backed by a mandorla. Bronze, with strong abrasion due to age and fine patina. India, 17th/18th century. Height: 83 mm. Very good condition. Provenance: old Berlin collection.

Large and important bust of Hindu goddess Parvati, wife of god Shiva. This beautiful lost wax chiseled and cast bust made of bronze underlines perfectly the harmony of the face and the beauty of the jewelry the goddess is wearing. India, 19th/20th century. Height: 30.2 cm. Very good condition. NOTE 1: As the title implies, ("Parvati Mukhalinga"), this bust was associated with the Linga of Shiva. The Linga is a phallic symbol, symbolising the power of Shiva.

Terracotta vase, of elaborate form, with a polychrome decoration, painted around the body, representing eight birds. Indus Valley Civilisation, Harappan Culture, 3300-1700 B.C. Height: 6.7 cm, outside diameter: 12.1 cm. A few chips, some soil encrustation, otherwise good condition. Provenance: Paris auction sale 1969.

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). Old accident on both lower sides of the deit...

Shaman's bracelet used during rituals meant to favor crops. Tha bracelet is decorated with two stylised men, each standing behind a plough drawn by two oxen. The rest of the decor consists in stylised plants and a circle (the sun?). The bracelet is made of bronze, with a beautiful patina. Himalayan Region, early 19th century, probably earlier. Inside diameter: around 8 cm. Very good condition. A very rare piece.

Small ceramic vase of globular form, with a curved flaring neck and two tiny ears on the shoulders, decorated with a series of oblique lines in relief over the whole body. Light celadon colour. Crackle glaze. China, Song Dynasty. Height: 10.8 cm. Very good condition.

Finely cast unusual statue of Hindu god Kartikeya, wearing jewels and a loincloth, standing on a stylised lotus.The right hand of this statue is poised as if holding a staff and the left hand rests on his thigh. He is seen as a mendicant with just a loincloth on. This form of Kartikeya is also called Dandayudhapani (the one who holds staff in hand).Bronze, with nice age patina. India, early 19th century, maybe earlier. Height: 19.3 cm. Very good condition. A rare piece. NOTE: Kartikeya is the e...

Finely carved mask of the Noh traditional theater, with a verystrong expression, representing the character of Otobide. The mask is made of wood, painted in gold (the whole face), black (for the eyebrows and moustache, also on top of the forehead) and red (for the mouth), and the eyes are made of brass. Japan, late 19th century. Height: 21.2 cm. Slight abrasion on some areas due to age, otherwise very good condition. NOTE 1: Otobide is a deity of extraordinary spiritual power, bringing blessin...

Old mask of the "gunyeya" type, used for ritual running competitions, with eyebrows in slight relief, round eyes, protruding large nose and lips, small chin. Multiple perforations around the rim for attachment of hair and beard, both missing. Wood, with fine age patina. Ivory Coast/Liberia, Dan ethnic group, first half of 20th century. Height: 25.5 cm. Small accidents, otherwise good condition. Provenance: Paris auction sale 1971.

Important embossed high content (+800) silver bowl, superbly decorated with detailed legendary/religious characters in niches all around the body, surrounded and surmounted by foliage design and resting on a stylised lotus decor. Height: 9.8 cm, diameter 10.4 cm, weight: 259 gr. Burma, late 19th century. Excellent condition. Provenance: acquired from a Bangkok (Thailand) antique dealer in 1978.

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 ...

Statue of crowned Amithaba Buddha, in formal attire, sitting cross-legged on an elevated throne, his hands in dhyana mudra (meditative posture). Wood, with remnants of lacquering and gilding. China, early Qing Dynasty, 17th/18th century. Height: 34 cm. Chip on top of crown, abrasions, otherwise very good condition.

Intricately carved face mask bearing horns, with features in relief, slit eyes, scarifications, stylised beard. Wood, with remnants of kaolin colouring on eyes, horns tips and coiffe. Fine age patina. Africa, Ivory Coast, Yaure ethnic group. Height: 33 cm. Insect infestation on right side (no more danger), otherwise good condition

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.

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...

Black mask with an unusual slightly conical coiffe. Africa, Gabon, Punu Peoples. Height: 12 " ( 30 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Old accidents and infestations (no danger), otherwise good condition. NOTE 1: A similar mask is in the Dapper Museum collection in Paris, published in "Masques" Editions Dapper 1995, 2000, 2006 Paris, page 89. NOTE 2: Punu masks are worn during funerals by members of the "Mukuji" Society and are meant to represent ancestors.

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.

Statue of a taoist dignitary, in formal attire, standing on an elevated hexagonal base on which a relief representing a reclining animal is carved. Two votive boxes at the back, both with missing lid. China, Ming Dynasty period. The statue is mounted on a stand. height (without stand): 31,5 cm. A few missing parts at the lower side of the base and at the back of the head, with no real damage to the general aspect of the statue, otherwise very good condition.

Long temple banner, also called "bridge painting" hand painted on paper representing Taoist deities in all sorts of situations. A stick is affixed on both ends. China, mid 19th century, Yao ethnic group, south-west China. Length: 4.12 m. A few restorations and losses, otherwise good condition.

Rhyton with a cylindrical shape progressively widening toward its top to give an overall conical aspect. The rython is decorated with two feminine deities figures in relief on both sides, wearing horns and having a posture similar to the one of Osiris statues. The body of the rhyton itself is decorated with superimposed geometric designs in slight relief. The piece is made of bronze, with an encrusted green patina. Mesopotamia, probably Bronze Age, ca. 3000 to 1500 B.C. Height: 11.5 cm. Strong s...

Funeral statuette made of calcite. The statuette is composed of three separate parts: a head, a torso adorned with two chimeras in relief and a base decorated with geometric design also in relief. This type of statuette is commonly called "Bactrian princess" among specialists, and dates back from the mid third to the early second millenium BC. Such funeral objects seem to have played an important role in the funerals of elites of the Margiana and maybe the Bactrian courts as well. Height: 8.4 cm...