Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian (434)

Fine Tibetan "damaru" (ritual drum), made of silver and leather. The silver part is in the form of two "kapala shaped" parts, separated by a central silver belt, decorated with several turquoise and coral inserts, to which the handle is attached. This silver part is lavishly decorated with an embossed relief design representing foliage and Buddhist symbols. The leather part is painted in green. Two cotton cords, ending in two small balls are also attached to the drum to strike it...

Large snuff bottle, made of silver, of circular and flat shape, lavishly decorated with animal, floral and geometric design on one side and foliage, lotus and geometric design on the other side. Tiny silver stopper at the end of a small spout on top of the bottle. Opening on one side to allow access to the tobacco powder, with relief stylised lotus decor, on one of the two sides. Fine patina. Tibet, 19th century. Height: 11 cm. Very good cndition.

Head of a moustached nobleman, wearing an elaborate turban, with an interesting mixture of Greek and Indian features. Grey schist. Pakistan, Gandhara Graeco-Buddhist period, 1st to 3rd century. The head is nicely munted on a custom stand. Height (without stand): 4 1/2" (11,4 cm). Nose and chin slightly chipped, otherwise good condition.

Large rock cristal seal of dome form, with an engraved design representing the bust of a helmeted king in profile. A vertical inscription is incised in front of the profile. Bactria, 4th century BC. Height of the dome: 2.6 cm. Height of the seal: 3.1 cm. Traces of soil encrustation. Tiny chips, otherwise very good condition.

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...

Mask of the traditional Noh theater representing the character of Obeshimi. Wood, with polychrome painting meant to enhance the features of the face. Japan, end of 19th century. Height: 20.2 cm. A few chips onthe painting, obvious signs of great age, otherwise good condition. NOTE: Obeshimi is used for Noh plays featuring "tengu", mythical demons that defy Buddhist law.

Superb "tsampa" bowl made of a wood core entirely covered with repoussé silver decorated in relief with the eight Buddhist symbols around its body surmounting a floral design. Beneath, a decoration representing a coiled dragon in relief framed by floral designs. Tibet, 19th century. Height: 2 3/16" (5,7 cm). Diameter: 4 1/2" (11,5 cm). A few dents, obvious signs of age, otherwise very good condition.

Small mask representing the face of a "lakhe", an celestial entity which protects humans and households against evil spirits. Wood, with beautiful dark patina. Himalayan Region, 18th century. Height: 5 1/4" (13,5 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Old restoration at the back of the right eye, erosion due to age, otherwise very good condition. A rare piece in this size.

Embossed gilt copper plate, with fine details, representing a snarling snow lion, standing. Two small copper rivets above the back of the lion. Tibet, early 19th century, maybe earlier. Height: 7 cm. Length: 8.3 cm. The plate is nicely mounted on a custom wood stand. Very good condition. Collected in Nepal in 1978.

Very old mask with an elongated face, with moon and sun signs in relief on the forehead, small eyes, long nose, open mouth showing teeth. Wood, with encrusted patina. Nepal, 18th century. Height: 10 1/4" (26,2 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Old accident from top to bottom restored locally a long time ago, otherwise good condition. Ex. old European collection.

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.

Very old agate snuff bottle with of beige color with nice white inclusions in some areas. Silvered bronze stopper with large turquoise inlay, copper spoon. China, early 19th century, maybe earlier. Height (without stopper): 2 6/16" (5,8 cm). Very good condition.

Shakudo tsuba with a relief decor representing foliage and flowers, with gilt highlights on a background of tiny dots. The tsuba is unsigned. Japan, late Edo period. Height: 7.2 cm. Very good condition despite a slight erosion all over the piece. Sold with its box.

Small statue of Kuan Yin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, wearing a diadem and formal robes, sitting on a double lotus throne, her right hand in abhaya mudra. Gilt bronze, with fine dark green patina. China, 19th century. Height: 8.8 cm. Gliding partly missing, otherwise every good condition.

Small statue of Buddha wearing a diadem, in a meditative posture ("dhyana mudra"), holding a stylized beggar bowl in his hands, sitting cross-legged on a double lotus throne. Bronze, with thick encrusted green patina. Tibet, 16th century. Height: 5 1/2" (14 cm). Diadem partly chipped, a few tiny casting defects, otherwise very good condition. A rather unusual aspect of the Buddha image.

Noh theater mask, with a vivid fierce expression, representing the character of Otobide. Wood, painted in gold, silver, black and red to enhance the mask features. Japan, 19th century. Height: 21.2 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Old accidents and restorations, otherwise good condition.

Censer in the shape of a standing lion. Bronze, with encrusted green patina. Strong Persian aesthetic influence. Bactria and Margiana Civilisation (2300 - 1700 B.C.). Length: 11.3 cm. Height: 10.2 cm. Very good condition.

Statue of Guanyu, the general of Liu Bei, which was transformed into the famous Guangong, the Taoist God of War. Guanyu is shown here in full military garb, with helmet and armor, sitting on an elevated throne. Votive box at the back, still closed. Wood, with remnants of superimposed painting, lacquering and gilding. China, 19th century. Height: 24.7 cm. Painting and lacquering partly flaked, otherwise very good condition.