Catalog (551)

Statue of a taoist dignitary, in formal attire, standing with a martial posture on an elevated base. Votive box still closed at the back. Wood, with remnants of superimposed layers of polychrome and gold painting. China, 19th century. Height: 13 " (32,5 cm). Left hand partly chipped, old insect infestation (no more danger), otherwise good condition.

A superb tea kettle, its body made of copper, its handle and spout made of bronze and cast in the shape of dragons. On the lid , around the neck and at the base of the spout, a silver repoussé floral decoration. A chain links the lid to the body. Tibet, 19th century. Height:10 1/4" (26 cm). Obvious signs of use and age, otherwise very good condition. NOTE: The kettle is not cleaned: our principle is always to leave the patina on an object, leaving it to the buyer to decide if it will have to be...

Relief fragment in the shape of a Hindu deity head, the face reflecting a serene and slightly smiling expression. Sandstone. India, Ca. 15th century. Height: 6 1/2" (16,5 cm). The piece is mounted on a custom stand. Erosion due to great age, chipped nose, otherwise good condition.

Architectural element carved in the shape of a Hindu deity head wearing a formal cap. Nicely patinated wood, with old carpenter nails still inserted in some areas. India, early 18th century. Height: 26 cm. The piece is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Abrasion due to great age, partly chipped nose, otherwise good condition.

Statue of God Hung Hsien Tati, a protector, also called The Great Emperor, The Immortal, in military garb, holding a bowl in his left hand. He was probably holding a sword in his right hand, but the sword is now missing. The god's right foot is resting on his tiger, while his left foot is resting on a dragon. Votive box (open) at the back. Polychrome wood. China, 19th century. Height: 14 1/4" (36 cm). 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.

Head of Buddha, eyes half closed, its face reflecting a profound inner serenity. Wood, with remnants of the original lacquering and gilding. China, 18th century. Height: 10 1/2" (26,7 cm). The head is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Age cracks, otherwise good condition.

Statue of a standing eagle with an alert posture, its beak slightly open. Gilt bronze, encrusted green patina in some areas. Tibet, 17th century. Height: 3 1/8" (8 cm). The statue is nicely mounted on a custom black plexi stand. Very good condition. A rare piece.

Architectural element carved to represent Garuda, the vehicle of Hindu god Vishnu, half bird half man, holding the Naga snake in his claws. Wood, with light brown patina. Nepal, 15th century or earlier. Height: 6 1/2" (16,5 cm) Length: 8 7/8" (22,5 cm). Strong erosion, old insect infestation (treated, no danger), otherwise good condition.

Small statue of a Buddhist monk standing on a rounded lotus base. Bronze, reddish-green patina. China, Tang Dynasty period (618-907). Height: 1 7/8" (4,7 cm). The statue is mounted on a custom plexi stand. Erosion, otherwise good condition.

Disk decorated inside with carved geometric and interlaced designs. White jade, with rusty spots. China, Qing Dynasty period or earlier. Diameter: 3" (7,5 cm). Very good condition.

Small statue of an ancestor or protecting deity, wearing a ceremonial cap, holding a sort of square box with both hands and standing on a rounded base. Wood, light brown patina. Indonesia, Moluccas Archipelago. Height: 13 1/2" (34 cm). Strong erosion and old accidents due to old age. Ex. Old French collection. A rare piece.

Small statue of Taoist God Chao Kung Ming, in military garb, with a martial posture, his right foot resting on his tiger. Votive box at the back (lid missing). Wood, with traces of the original lacquering. China, early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Height: 10 1/8" (25,7 cm). Traces of an old burn (candle?) several parts missing, strong erosion. NOTE: Marshal Chao Kung Ming, also known as the Marshal of the Dark Altar and the General of the White Tiger, is one of the most favored of the popular relig...

Ritual dagger ("phurpa") formerly used by a shaman during ceremonies. The phurpa is made of wood, and is decorated in relief from top to bottom with three deities heads surmounted by a point, above geometric designs of chevrons and knots, themselves on top of the three blades decorated with snake design in relief. Nice dark-brown glossy patina. Several textile knots are affixed on the handle to "protect" the shaman's fingers from the magic strength of the phurpa. Nepal, 19th century. Height: 9"...

Small Hindu altar representing a female deity sitting on a platform backed by an arch. Bronze, with fine green patina. India, 19th century. Height: 4 1/8" (10,5 cm). The piece is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Very good condition.

Small relief fragment in the shape of a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni, in monk's robes, in meditation posture, sitting on a lotus throne backed by an aureola. Stucco, with traces of polychrome pigments. Pakistan, Gandhara Region, Graeco-Buddhist art, 1st to 3rd century. Height: 5" (12,6 cm). The statue is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Chips in some areas, erosion, otherwise good condition.

Gilt silver alloy Buddhist necklace. The decoration is comprising of a repousse design of Buddhas sitting in meditation posture alternating with floral designs. On the lower side similar repousse designs are affixed with loops. This necklace is similar in style to the ones which were made during the Bactriane/Gandharan period. Afghanistan, 19th century or earlier. A few losses, 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. The piece is ve...

Statue of God Khandoba (an avatar of God Shiva), riding his horse, with his spouse Parvati on his left side, holding his sword with his right hand. Strongly eroded bronze. India, 18th century or earlier. Height: 6 1/2" (16,5 cm). Good condition.

Statue of HIndu God Krishna as a playing baby. Bronze, with fine green patina with reddish spots. India, 18th century. Height: 3 3/8" (8,5 cm), length: 3 3/8" (8,5 cm). It seems that the eyes were made of silver pieces affixed to the face, but that they are missing now, leaving a red trace. Very good condition otherwise.

Tsuba with openwork design of a falcon resting on the branch of an old pine tree. Iron, with remnants of gilding on the falcon eye and on the tree leaves. The tsuba is unsigned. Japan, early Edo period. Height: 3 3/8" (8,7 cm. Oxidation, otherwise very good condition.

Jeweler's mould, used to make gold or silver jewelry, decorated in relief inside to represent a dancing Hindu female deity ("deva"). Bronze with nice green and reddish patina. India, early 18th century. Diameter: 2 4/8" (6,7 cm). Very good condition.

Sutra book cover carved all over its surface with, in the center, a Bhaisajyaguru Buddha ("The Master of Healing") sitting on a lotus throne in a niche, and Tibetan characters on the rest of the surface. On one side, a monster head surrounded with floral designs is carved. Wood with fine dark-brown glossy patina and remnants of red pigments. Tibet, 15th century. Length: 53.5 cm. Erosion and chips, otherwise good condition.

Mask of the "Nuo" esoteric theater representing the character of Master Jiang, a respected professor. Polychrome wood, with animal hair under the nose and around the chin to represent mustache and beard. China, early 19th century. Height: 9 3/8" (24 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Very good condition. Publications: "Le Masque de Chine" by Yves Crehalet Actes Sud Publisher, France, 2007 (p. 148).

Mask which was used for the protection of a household against evil spirits. Wood, fine dark brown glossy patina. Nepal, early 19th century. 11 3/16" (28,4 cm). Old accidents (visible on photos), otherwise good condition.

Fire lighting implement consisting of a piece of iron, pieces of fabric and a fragment of flint stone, the whole set being contained in a rattan box. This implement belonged formerly to a member of a tribe located in Palawan Island, South West of the Philipino Archipelago. Such tribe, like a few others in this island, has in some aspects remained in the Stone Age. It was put under the protection of the Philipino Government some 40 years ago. The closed box length is 7 5/8" (19,2 cm). The box has...

Mask of the "Nuo" esoteric theater representing the character of Heshang, the Buddhist monk, with very expressive features. The mask was carved on wood, then paper was affixed all over its surface, on which polychrome pigments were painted. China, early 19th century, probably earlier. Height: 9 13/16" (25 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Paper partly flaked, and consequently the colors, otherwise very good condition.

Head of Buddha, its face with eyes almost closed reflecting a profound inner serenity. Wood, with numerous layers of polychrome pigments, lacquering and gilding. China, early 18th century, probably earlier. Height: 32 cm. The head is not mounted. Some flaking, otherwise very good condition.

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.

Face mask of oval shape, with typical cubistic features. Wood, dark-brown patina, remnants of kaolin around the eyes. Africa, R.D. Congo (ex. Zaire), Lwalwa Peoples. Height: 11 5/8" (29,7 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Old accident locally restored on top of coiffe, otherwise very good condition.

Ancient Buddhist book of sutras comprising of two thick lacquered and gilt cardboard covers decorated with 16 Buddhas sitting on a throne with their hands in bhumisparsa mudra posture. The central Buddha is flanked by two smaller buddhas, and at their feet are two small praying monks. The book has 42 X 2 pages (written on two sides) written in black characters. Burma, 19th century. Length: 15 1/2" (39 cm). Traces of old water stains, slight damage on the bottom of one page, other wise very good ...

Statue of Buddha sitting on a double lotus throne, his hands in "bhumisparsa mudra". At the center front and back of the throne, a small niche contains a relief representing what seems to be a Green Tara in regal repose posture. Inscription at the bottom of the front of the throne. Bronze with green and reddish patina. Laos, early 18th century, maybe earlier. Height: 6 3/16" (15,7 cm). Very good condition.

Very fine and rare statue of smiling Liu Hai dancing on a square base, with his three-legged toad at his feet. He is holding a vase in his left hand and a half coin in his right hand. Bronze, nice, partly encrusted green patina. China, Ming Dynasty. Height: 5 1/4" (13,3 cm). Very good condition.

Mask of the "Nuo" esoteric theater representing the character of Bao Gong, or Judge Bao, also named "King of Inferno" because he also goes down to visit the Inferno to inquire about the souls. The mask was carved on wood on which lacquer and polychrome pigments were painted. China, mid-19th century. Height: 12 1/4" (30,5 cm). Old insect damage (no more danger), otherwise good condition.

Small four legged portable Buddhist altar with a statue of bearded Bodhisattva Padmapani standing on an elevated and stylized lotus throne and holding a gourd in his left hand. Gilt bronze with partly encrusted green patina. China, Wei Dynasty period (386-534 AD). Height: 3 5/16" (8,5 cm). Gilding partly missing in small areas, otherwise very good condition. Ex. old German collection.

Large Buddhist ritual bell, with a lavish decoration of a "vajra" on its top, four deities faces below, and geometric and stylized lotus decor on its body. Bronze, with beautiful encrusted green and red patina. Traces of gilding. Indonesia, ca. 15th to 16th century. Height: 9 5/8" (24,5 cm). Obvious signs of great age, otherwise very good condition.

A very fine mask of the esoteric "Nuo" theater, representing the character of Tudigong, the God of Cereals, wearing an official cap, his face illuminated by a large smile. Wood, with polychrome colors. China, early 19th century. Height: 11" (28 cm). The mask is nicely mounted on a custom metal stand. Very good condition.

Very rare eating set comprising of: 1) a knife with horn handle with iron tip with gilt decor, the blade itself beautifully forged and decorated with incised lotus design on one side and inlaid gold stylized dragon on the other side; 2) a nicely shaped wood sheath covered with red colored shark skin and with a farming made of iron lavishly decorated with incised and gilt floral designs; 3) a pair of iron chopsticks; 4) three toothpicks made of iron with nice decoration on tip. This set belonged...

Flint and tinder pouch, in the shape of an envelope made of leather with a heavy steel lower edge, and a loop on top to allow suspension from the belt. Lavish silver and brass decoration with three turquoises in the middle. Tibet, 19th century. Length: 5 3/4" (14,7 cm). Obvious signs of age, wear and use, otherwise very good condition. A rather scarce object nowadays.

Small statue of Bhairava standing on a lotus base, in an aggressive posture, holding Brahma's skull in his left hand, with his right hand raised threateningly. A demon is reclining beside his left foot. Bronze, with dark-green patina. Tibet, early 19th century, maybe earlier. Haight: 3 1/4" !8,3 cm). Lotus base slightly bent in front, otherwise very good condition.

Statue of Hanuman, the Monkey Gos, hero of the Ramayana epic, in formal attire, standing on a rectangular pedestal, his hands in praying posture. The statue and the pedestal were cast separately. The statue may thus be removed from the pedestal. Bronze, with fine dark-green patina. India, 19th century. Height: 4 5/8" (11,7 cm). Good condition.

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...

Small altar ("zushi" in Japanese) made of wood, lacquered in black outside, gilt inside. The locking system as well as the hinges are made of beautifully decorated bronze. The altar contains a gilt wood statue of Buddha sitting cross-legged in meditation posture on an elevated throne backed by an aureola. Japan, 19th century. Total height: 8" (20,5 cm). Flaked lacquer at the base, otherwise very good condition.

A very finely cast statue of Bodhisattva Manjusri wearing diadem and formal attire, holding a book in his left hand, his right hand in argumentative posture. Manjusri is sitting cross-legged on an elevated lotus throne resting on the back of a stylized lion, itself standing on a rounded base. Bronze with dark-green patina. Traces of an original lacquering and gilding. China, early Ming Dynasty. Height: 6 1/4" (16 cm). Tiny part of diadem missing, otherwise very good condition.

Small stela dedicated to Bhairava. The Hindu god is standing on a corpse and holding the snake ("naga") in his right hand, a skull cap ("kapala") in his left hand, and his weapons in his other two hands. Black stone with remnants of ritual material. Nepal, circa 15th century. Height: 5 3/4" (14,5 cm). Mounted on a custom stand. Erosion, otherwise good condition

Small head of a female Hindu deity, her face reflecting a profound serenity, with a slight smile. Reddish sandstone. India, early 16th century. Height: 3 1/2" (9 cm). Mounted on a custom stand. Erosion, chip on nose, otherwise good condition. Provenance: Zemanek-Munster auction 2013.

Antique temple banner consisting in a long sort of ribbon made of paper on which a series of religious scenes showing Taoist gods and chimeras are hand painted with polychrome pigments. The banner is around 10 m long by 27 cm high, and is affixed to a wood stick on both sides. The piece is signed Zheng Fa and dated Xian Feng 6 (1855). It is coming from the South West region of China, and was painted by an artist who was a member of the Yao ethnic minority. The banner has suffered damages due to ...

A fine pair of small baluster shaped porcelain vases, with a painted blue decor on white background of two dragons chasing the flaming pearl among clouds. Kangxi reign mark beneath. China, Qing Dynasty period. Height: 7" and 7 1/8" (17,6 and 18 cm). Old and very fine restoration around the neck of one of the vases (see photos), otherwise very good condition. Provenance: old French provincial collection.

Superb and well hollowed-out blue striped agate snuff bottle. The stopper is made of bronze, with a beautifully shaped coral top. The spoon is made of bronze. China, 19th Century. Height (without stopper): 2 1/8" (5,4 cm). Tiny chips on rim of neck and base, otherwise very good condition.

Small architectural element decorated in relief with Vishnu, in his other name as Anantashayana (meaning "reclining on Ananta"), resting on the many-headed serpent-king called Ananta "the endless". Vishnu is holding the conch ("shankha", symbol of the five existential elements) in both hands. Wood, with fine glossy patina. Nepal, early 17th century, maybe earlier. Height: 6" (15,2 cm). The relief is nicely mounted on a custom wood stand. Erosion due to great age, otherwise good condition.

Snuff bottle of almost globular form, made of two sections carved from burl which has then been lacquered in black. The bottle has a silver neck and a silver circular frame holding the two sections together. It also has an opening with round silver repoussé mount with geometric design at one side, the lid ending in a coral top. Tibet, 18th century. Diameter: 3" (7,6 cm). Age cracks on both sides, stopper and spoon missing, otherwise good condition. Provenance: Old Parisian collection.

Small light celadon colored jade cup of classical shape. China, Ming Dynasty period. Height: 1 5/16" (3,3 cm). Traces of long stay underground (small stains), otherwise very good condition.

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.

Tattoo ink container of cylindrical shape decorated with a monkey in relief, in a rather aggressive posture, holding the container with its four paws. Wood, with a fine dark brown patina. The piece is nicely mounted on a custom plexi stand. Height (without stand): 6.5 cm. Old restoration on one of the limbs (almost invisible), otherwise very good condition.

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.

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...

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.

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.

Fertility doll, called "akuaba", with its typical cross shape and flat circular head. Wood, with fine glossy patina. Africa, Ghana, Ashanti ethnic group. Height: 10" (26 cm). Old insect infestation at the back lower part (no danger), otherwise very good condition.

Small statue of Green Tara, wearing diadem, necklace and dhoti, sitting "at ease" on a double lotus throne. Her right hand holds the "cintamani", the jewel which "grants wishes or satisfies all desires". Bronze, with fine green patina in the recesses. Tibet, 16th century or earlier. Height: 3 3/8" (8,5 cm). Strong erosion due to very old age, tiny losses at the base of the throne, otherwise very good condition. NOTE: Green Tara is seen as the Buddhist protector against all dangers.