Catalog: Antiques (469)

Extraordinary, rare and very old ancestral statue, "korwar", carved from single piece of wood representing a standing human figure on a rounded base with a symbolically oversized skull head, with a lodging on top to accommodate a real partial ancestor skull. Two small dieties figures were carved in relief on the sides of the skull. Addionally, the right arm of the human figure was carved separately and affixed to the korwar with a tenon...

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 never 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...

Statue of a horseman (probably a Hindu deity), holding a spear in his right hand. Bronze, with fine age patina. India, 19th century. Height: 8.7 cm. Length: 8.8 cm. Good condition.

Brush case, nicely embossed with an openwork decoration representing three stylised Buddhist vajras on either side, surrounded with a foliage and geometric design. Silver alloy, with a fine age patina. The center of each vajra must have contained a coral or turquoise to enhance the beauty of the case. The case was made in Tibet in the 19th century, maybe earlier. Length: 33.5 cm. Very good condition .

Old buddhist altar representing Buddha and two bodhisattvas, each one standing on a lotus and backed by a mandorla, the whole group surmounted by the Buddhist Flaming Pearl and resting on a double lotus. Apocryphal reign mark beneath (Emperor Qian Long). Bronze with fine age patina. China, late 19th century. Height: 17 cm. Very good condition.

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.

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.

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...

Large circular plate beautifully and intricately decorated with concentric embossed designs, consisting in, on the front side, from the center to the rim: - in the center, a Citipati holding a skull in his left hand and a khatvangha in his right dancing on a lotus base and framed by a flaming mandorla, - a circle of tiny stylised Citipati, - a circle of skulls, - a wide circle containing two dragons facing the Flaming Pearl and two phoenixes below framing two deers facing the Wheel of the L...

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...

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...

Statue of a standing woman in formal dress, with an unusual necklace supporting a Christian cross. Wood, with fine glossy patina. India, 19th century. Height: 18.5 cm. The statue is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Abrasion due to age, otherwise good condition.

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.

Porcelain cup, blue and white, with a decoration inside representing concentric floral designs surrounding a chimera located in the center. On the outside, a floral decor of same type as inside. China, apocryphal mark beneath. Early Qing dynasty period, 18th century. Diameter: 22.8 cm. Very good condition.

Statue of a guardian, with a large mustache, wearing a turban --- suggesting that the man belongs to the Sikh community --- and a uniform. Wood, with strong abrasion due to great age. India, 18th/19th century. Height: 37 cm. The statue is mounted on a custom stand. Arms and feet missing, otherwise good condition.

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.

Fine rectangular lime box made of bronze, decorated with numerous silver inserts representing floral and geometric designs. Inside the box are four compartments with their lids, also decorated with silver inserts showing stylised flowers. Philippines archipelago, Mindanao island, early 19th century. Dimensions: length: 9.3 cm, height: 6.1 cm. Slight abrasion due to age, otherwise very good condition. Provenance: Acquired in Luzon island in 1978.

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.

Small statue of Buddha, in monk's robes, sitting cross-legged on an elevated lotus throne, holding a bowl in his left hand, his right hand in protecting and blessing posture (abhaya mudra). The statue was cast in the style of the Liao dynasty Buddha images. Bronze, with fine age patina. Qing Dynasty, 18th century. Slight abrasion due to age, otherwise very good condition.

Three small amulets cast in the form of deities standing in formal dress. Bronze, with partly encrusted reddish-green patina. China, Han dynasty. Height: 52, 54 and 54 mm. All in good condition.

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.

Wood mask of the Gigaku theater representing Konju, a figure in ancient Gigaku dance. The finely carved mask shows a very strong expression. Japan, early Edo period. Height: 18 cm. Beautiful age patina. Some abrasion, otherwise very good condition. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. NOTE: Gigaku theater is one of the most ancient dramatic arts in Japan, performing ritual dance, mime and music, and taking place inside Buddhist temples...

Very rare Japanese comic demon Buaku Kyogen mask dating from the early Edo Period, the golden age of Noh Drama. The Buaku mask is a Kyogen version of the Noh Beshimi character. Kyogen were short, humorous skits performed between Noh acts to lighten the mood. The heavily knit brows and wide leering grimace are wonderful characteristics of this mask. It is covered in layered colored gofun (oyster shell lacquer)...

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.

A fine group of three gilt bronze belt plates, of slightly rectangular form, each bearing a decoration in relief representing a musician playing an instrument. Gilt bronze, with a nice patina, partly green, partly reddish. China, Tang dynasty. Dimensions: 3.1 x 3.2 cm. Very good condition

Delicately carved head of Fuxi, wearing an elaborate cap, his beautifully detailed face showing a slight smile. Wood, with remnants of superimposed layers of colouring. Remains of animal hair under the nose and chin to represent mustache and beard. Votive box (closed) at the back. China, Ming Dynasty period, 17th century. Height: 30 cm. The head is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition despite some flaking of the colouring. NOTE 1: Fuxi, also called Nuo Gong, with his wife Nüw...

Ceramic cup, with handpainted decoration representing a human being in formal dress holding flowers with his hands, framed by a circular geometric design around the rim. Islamic art of Khurasan, or Khorasan, 8th to 10th centuries. Diameter: 13.4 cm. Height: 4.1 cm. Good condition despite a few chips and an old accident around the rim.

Rare architectural ornament, with an unusual form, representing a chimera or mythical bird with a human head, half human - half bird, standing on a rounded base and backed by a pillar. Eroded wood, fine age patina. India, early 19th century, maybe earlier. Height: 18.8 cm. Very good condition. A highly unusual piece.

Statue made of glass representing the Buddha Akshobhya, in monk's robes, sitting on a lotus throne and backed against a lotus mandorla, holding a vajra in his joined hands. China, Qing Dynasty, early 19th century. Height: 10.2 cm. Very good condition.

Very old mask of the Kyogen traditional theater representing the character of Bishamon, with a very fierce expression enhanced by finely, well detailed, carved features. Wood, with traces of the original colouring. Japan, early Edo period. Height: 21 cm. Abrasion due to great age, otherwise very good condition. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. NOTE: Bishamon, or Bishamon-Ten, is one of the four guardians of Buddhism, often shown at the entrance of temples.

Finely carved, large statue of Hindu god Vishnu, wearing a high crown, jewels, dhoti and sandals, holding his four attributes (club, chakra, conch shell and lotus flower) in his four hands, and standing on a semi circular pedestal. Wood, with remnants of the original polychromy. India, 19th century. Height: 49 cm. Some abrasion due to age, otherwise very good condition.

Antique statue of Hindu deity, her hands joined in front,of her belly, standing on a rounded base. Wood with fine age patina. India, 18th century, maybe earlier. Height: 24.2 cm. Abrasion due to great age, otherwise good condition.

Statue of a household protecting deity or ancestor, sitting on a rounded base, his head with an unusual pointed top, his hands in "namaste" posture. Wood, with fine age patina. Nepal, 19th century. Height: 33.5 cm. Strong abrasion due to great age, otherwise good condition. Provenance: collected in Kathmandu in 1974.

Finely cast statue, with nice details, of Sadaksari Lokeshvara 'also knwon as Kharchheri, the "Lord of the Six Syllables" belonging to the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum". Sadaksari is sitting on a lotus throne, and has four arms. In one hand he holds the "akshamala", which serves to count the number of times the mantra is spoken. In the other hand he holds the lotus of absolute purity. Furthermore, he holds the magic jewel Cintamani in front of his chest. Finally, his spiritual father, Amithaba, is...

Superb censer, richly decorated in relief with a chimera head on each side, the eight Buddhist symbols surrounded by foliage, the whole surmounting two levels of stylised lotuses. Reign mark beneath. White brass (or silver alloy) with a fine age patina. China, Qing Dynasty Guangxu period (1875-1908). Very good condition. NOTE: the censer is quite heavy.

A pair of Architectural ornaments carved in relief to represent female dancers, with symmetrical postures, inside niches. Wood, with age patina. Nepal, early 19th century, maybe earlier. Height: 29.7 cm. Provenance: acquired in Hong Kong from an antique dealer in 1989.

A pair of cylinder form long beads, one of dark blue colour, the other one of dark green colour, both decorated with geometric designs surrounding "eye" motives. Phoenician period mosaic glass, 6th to 4th century B.C. Some soil encrustation, otherwise good condition. NOTE: in several different ancient civilisations, be they of the Middle or Far East regions, the "eye" design was used since early times to protect against evil spirits.

A superbly cast mat weight, of circular form, with a fine decoration in relief representing a tiger attacking a large bird. The weight is made of bronze, with a beautiful red and green patina (a sign of great age). China, Han Dynasty. Dimensions: height: 6 cm, diameter of base: around 4.3 cm. Very good condition.

Himalayan altar dedicated to Buddha, with an elaborate arch with two pillars resting on two lions. The Buddha himself is represented standing on a lotus, in "varada mudra", and is surmounted by a small Amithaba Buddha above his head. Bronze, with fine age patina. Nepal, early 19th century. Height: 20.5 cm. Very good condition.

Statue of a household protecting deity, with minimalist features, standing in "namaste" posture. Wood, with dark patina probably due to soot. Nepal, 19th century. Height: 44.5 cm. Nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition despite some abrasion dua to age. Provenance: collected in situ in 1976.

Gilt bronze miniature of a standing character (a deity, if so God Baal?) with arms half raised, his hands holding ritual objects. Phoenicia, ca. 1000 B.C. Height: 83 mm. Gilding partly missing, otherwise very good condition.

A pair of antique architectural ornaments, in the form of mythical birds. Heavy wood, with fine age patina with a dark colour probably due to soot. Nepal, 15/16th century, maybe older. Height: 34.8 cm. Good condition. Provenance: acquired in Nepal in 1975.

Rare and beautiful seal made of banded agate, of circular shape, with an intaglio design representing the bust of a king surrounded by a greek inscription. Diameter: 2.7 cm. Slight abrasion due to great age, otherwise very good condition.

Miniature statue of a standing flautist, in formal robes, holding his flute with both hands. Bronze, with a beautiful red and green patina. China, Tang dynasty. Height: 7.5 cm. Obvious signs of great age, otherwise very good condition.

Miniature statue of a dignitary, in formal attire, kneeling, with joined hands. Bronze, with fine age patina. China, Han dynasty. Height: 9.4 cm. Good condition.

Three miniature primitive statues depicting Hindu gods, one sitting on a oval throne in praying posture, the other one sitting on a slightly elevated circular throne holding his attributes, and the third one sitting on a square base also holding his attributes. Bronze, with fine age patinas. Height: 42 mm, 37 mm and 31 mm. Good condition despite signs of great age.

Finely cast gilt bronze statue of Padmasambhava, sitting on a double lotus throne, wearing a monk's pointed cap and a monk's robe, his hands in "vitarka mudra". Tibet, 19th century. Height: 22.3 cm. Gilding partly missing, otherwise very good condition. NOTE: Padmasambhava ("Born from a Lotus"), also known as Guru Rinpoche (Precious Guru) and the Lotus from Oḍḍiyāna, was a semi-legendary tantric Buddhist Vajra master from medieval India who taught Vajrayana in Tibet (circa 8th – 9th cent...

Ancient scroll painting representing Hell, with, at the center, King Yan, the God of Death and the ruler of Diyu surrounded by his assistants, among which the Judge of the Souls with his book listing every soul. Below are shown other judges, and demons which torture souls which were judged as not worthy of the heaven of the gods. This polychrome painting on paper was done in the early part of the 19th century, by an artist belongning the Yao ethnic minority residing in the South of China. Its he...

Statue of Buddha, his face reflecting a profound inner serenity, wearing monk's robes, sitting on an elevated throne, his hands in "bhumisparsa mudra". Slightly eroded alabaster. Height: 24.4 cm. Very good condition. Note: The statue was hollowed out inside, a feature which is quite rare, such statues being carved outside only.