Catalog (531)

A fine pair of old Chinese rugs. The first one with brown and blue design on white background, is decorated with floral and geometric designs, the latter including Buddhist symbols (Svastika and Eternal Knot). The rug is made of wool. Dimensions: 125 X 65 cm. China, early 20th century. Old restorations otherwise good condition. The second one is slightly bigger, with beige, red and blue designs on brown background. It is decorated with floral and geometric designs and some Buddhist motive (off...

"Ancient India", Bulletin of the Archeological Survey of India, number 7 to 12, comprising of: 1 - "Ancient India", Bulletin of the Archeological Survey of India, number 7, January 1951 - January 1949. Edited and published by the Director General of Archaeology in India, New Delhi. Printed by the Job Press Ltd., Kanpur. 8 3/8"x10 11/16" (21,5x27 cm). 85 pages. Numerous drawings, maps and photos. A series of articles on the archeology of India, Afghanistan and Pakistan, by British and Indian f...

Statue of Vajradakini, naked, wearing a diadem and jewels, dancing on a lotus, with a "vajra" and a "damaru" in her hands and a "khatvanga" under her right arm. The Vajradakini is backed by a flaming aureola. Bronze, with fine patina and remnants of the original coulouring. The statue was cast in three parts. Tibet, 19th/20th century. Height: 23.3 cm. Very good condition. NOTE: Dakinis, are feminine deities of the Tantric pantheon, who often accompany other deities and may represent the power ...

Very old statue of a household protecting deity, with an enigmatic expression, standing, hands in "namaste" posture. Wood, with dark age patina. Nepal, early 19th century. Height: 36.8 cm. The statue is mounted on a custom stand. Old insect infestation (treated, no danger), otherwise good condition.

Miniature statue of Hindu god Vishnu, standing, wearing a diadem, jewels and a "dhoti", holding his attributes with his four arms. A flaming aureola is shown behind his head. Bronze, with fine age patina. India, 17th/18th century. The statue is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Height of the statue: 11 cm. Feet missing, otherwise very good condition.

Finely incised cylinder seal made of black stone, representing the famous hero Gilgamesh confronting firmly on each side with his two hands a lion with a human head. The whole scene is surmounted by two wings with a sort of sun in their center. Inscriptions in cuneiform on the sides. Mesopotamia, ca. 3000 BC. Height: 43 mm. Slight abrasion due to age, otherwise very good condition. Provenance: acquired in Paris from an antique dealer in 1971.

Rhyton, of conical shape, decorated at its base with the bust of a horse. Geometric design incised all over the body of the object. Bronze, with fine reddish-green age patina and traces of soil encrustations. Bactrian Civilisation, ca. 4th century B.C. Height: 11 cm. Very good condition.

Gilt bronze five prong vajra (or dorje), resting on a lotus stand also made of gilt bronze. Intricate details on the vajra, especially the "makara" heads from which four prongs are protruding, but also around the center part. The stand is also finely cast, and shows an incised "four vajra" design beneath. Tibet, late 19th century. Total height: 20.3 cm. Vajra length: 17.8 cm. Stand diameter: 8 cm. Gilding partly missing, otherwise very good condition

Statue of Bodhisattva Manjusri, the Lord of Wisdom, wearing a diadem, jewels and a dhoti, sitting cross-legged on a double lotus throne, his right hand holding the sword that kills ignorance, his left hand holding a lotus on top of which a book is placed. Bronze, with remnants of the original lacquering and gilding. Tibet, late 19th century. Height: 22.5 cm. Very good condition.

Mask of the Noh Theater representing the character of Shishiguchi. This finely carved from wood mask shows a face with powerful features, with polychrome pigments to enhance its fierce expression. Its height: 25.5 cm. Nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition. NOTE: Shishiguchi means litterally "The Lion's Mouth" This mask is mainly used to interpret the spirit of the lion in a scene of "Shakkyo", a Noh play from which all the lion dances of Kabuki theater are originating.

Replacement head, called "kus", finely carved to represent a human head, with realistic features, mouth open, pierced nose with a small (recent) bamboo stick inserted in it, two "earrings" made of textile and raffia. The head is made of wood, with a fine age patina. Papua New Guinea, Asmat, mid 20th century. Height: 25.9 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition. NOTE: Trophy heads or skulls were used in initiation rites. Wooden heads ("kus") first were carved to re...

Old mask of "gunyeya" type, with typical pointed face. The circular eyes are framed by metal and traces of red textile, the open mouth shows metal teeth. The mustache is evoked with animal skin on the upper lips, and the beard is made of red textile and animal hair. Finally, a small bell is attached to the chin. Africa, Ivory Coast, Dan ethnic group. Height: 28 cm in total. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Obvious signs of use and old age, otherwise very good condition.

Dry lacquer mask of the Gigaku traditional theater, finely made and lacquered in black and red colour, representing the character of an old man, with a long aquiline nose, open mouth showing teeth, large smile, very long ears, deep wrinkles all over the face. Inside the mask, a paper label with description of the mask and signature of the artist. Japan, early 20th century. Height: 25.2 cm. Very good condition.

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.

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...

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.

Pair of amulets, male and female, with typical faces and postures, legs slightly bent, unusual feet. Wood, with fine dark patina. Indonesia, Borneo Island, Dayak Peoples. Height: 21.8 cm. Very good condition. Provenance: acquired in Singapore from a dealer specialising in tribal art and antiques in 1982.

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.