Catalog: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian (42)

Finely carved chief sceptre with a genie sitting on its top, surmounting a squatting ancestor, under which are geometric relief designs leading to the lower part. Wood, with nice glossy patina. Old porcelain ball attached with a small cotton rope to the top of the genie's head. Indonesia, Borneo Island, Dayak ethnic group. Height: 38,.5 cm. The piece is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition. A rare piece.

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.

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...

Important and rare mask carved in wood fungus, of the tinder fungus type (fomes fomentarius), of rounded triangular form, with perforated oval eyes, incised mouth and nose in relief, probably added. Length: 30 cm. Height: 18.7 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition. NOTE: the tinder fungus is a parasite which grows particularly on the birch tree...

Tibetan snuff bottle of flat shape made of silver with a lavish embossed decor representing Tibetan Tantric Budhism deities, fistly Acala, one of the eight Dharmapalas holding a sword in his right hand on one side, and secondly one of the Dakinis on the other side. Each deity is gilt and backed by a flaming aureola surrounded by a floral design. Other parts of the bottle are partly gilt. The bottle also shows coral and turquoise inserts...

Head of funerary statue or effigy, of minimalist shape. Weathered wood, with shell eyes. Indonesia, South Sulawesi, Toraja Peoples. Height: 12" (30 cm). The head is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Very good condition. NOTE 1: The Toraja have this particularly interesting tradition of carving in wood funerary images of the deceased. These figures are kept in galleries or balconies beside the coffins in which high-ranking or noble or wealthy people are buried...