Catalog (551)

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. NOTE 1: Otobide is a deity of extraordinary spiritual power, bringing blessin...

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. Perhaps the best known Noh play using Ayakashi is ""Fun...

Noh theater mask, representing the character of Shintai, a youthful deity, with a rather soft expression. The mask is signed (see pictures). Painted wood, with metal eyes. Japan, Edo period early 19th century. Height: 21 cm. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Slight abrasion on the painting in some areas, otherwise very good condition.

Dry lacquer Noh mask depicting the character of Kokushiki-Jo and designed to represent divine blessings. Inscription at the back of the mask. Japan, early 20th century, maybe earlier. Height: 20.4 cm. Some chips around the rim, partly flaked lacquer, otherwise good condition. NOTE: This mask is used exclusively in "Okina", an ancient dance ritual said to be close to the roots of Noh. Okina is viewed as sacred and therefore accorded a different status from other items in the Noh repertoire. Lack...

Old tribal necklace, made of old glass beads with a bronze ornament in the shape of a fish tail. North East India, Naga ethnic group. Length: around 37 cm. Very good condition. Provenance: 1) old European collection, 2) auction sale.

Very well hollowed out and beautiful moss agate snuff bottle, with a "tao tie" mask carved in relief on each side. Bronze stopper with turquoise inlays, bone spoon. China, 19th century. Height (without stopper)/ 2 1/2" (6,4 cm). Tiny chips around rim, otherwise very good condition. NOTE: this snuff bottle is so light that is is supposed to float on the surface of water...

Mosaic glass pendant in the shape of a bearded head, surmounted by a large loop for attachment to a necklace. Phenicia, or Carthage, archaic period, 350 to 200 B.C. Height: 6.1 cm. Barely visible old accident, superbly restored, otherwise very good condition. NOTE: similar pendants are shown in the Antique Glass Collection of the Louvre Museum in Paris. Publications: "Les verres antiques du Musee du Louvre", Louvre Editions, Paris 2011.

Mokkogate samurai sword guard (tsuba) made of shibuishi with gold inserts, with katakiri decor representing on one side a monk sitting and holding a brush and surrounded by clouds and on the other side a dragon emerging from clouds. The tsuba is signed. Japan, Edo Period, 18th/19th century. Diameter: 6.7 cm. the tsuba is offered in its original box. Very good condition. Provenance: Old Canadian collection. Auction sale Tajan, in Paris, December 14th 2015.

Small ceramic vase of globular form, with a curved flaring neck and two tiny ears on the shoulders, decorated with a series of oblique lines in relief over the whole body. Light celadon colour. Crackle glaze. China, Song Dynasty. Height: 10.8 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 small statue of Hindu Goddess Annapurna, sitting cross-legged on an elevated throne, holding the ritual spoon in both hands. Bronze, with reddish and green patina. India, 17th century, maybe earlier. Height: 4.3 cm. Abrasion due to great age, otherwise good condition.

Finely cast, with nice details, miniature statue of bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, standing on a lotus base, his left hand holding what seems to be a gourd. Bronze, with encrusted reddish green patina, with traces of the original gilding. China, Tang Dynasty. Height: 5.6 cm. The statue is nicely mounted on a custom wood stand. Good condition.

Small statue of a Buddhist devotee/donor, standing, in monk's robes, and holding a fruit in both hands. This statue was probably part of a larger group, with a Buddha statue in the center. Bronze, with fine dark-green patina. China, Ming dynasty. Height: 58 mm. Very good condition.

Miniature statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, standing in formal attire, backed by an aureola, holding an object in his left hand. Gilt bronze. China, Sui Dynasty (581-618 A.D.). Height: 5.7 cm. The statue is mounted on a custom plexi stand. Mandorla partly missing, soil encrustation, otherwise good condition.

Finely cast miniature statue of a Lokapala, wearing armor, standing in martial posture on a rock. Gilt bronze, nice patina. China, Tang Dynasty. Height: 5 cm. The statue is mounted on a plexi stand. Very good condition.

Miniature statue of a Lokapala, in military garb, standing in martial posture on rocks. Gilt bronze, with fine patina. China, Tang Dynasty. Height: 7.1 cm. Abrasion due to age, otherwise very good condition.

Small "ghau", the front side, made of bronze, is decorated with a foliage and lotus design, the box itself ans its lid being made of copper with bronze handles. The "ghau" contains a tiny bronze statue of Bodhisattava Manjusri and textile. Fine age patina. A leather cord allows attachement of the "ghau" to a belt. Tibet, 19th century. Very good condition.

Buddhist statue of a guardian deity ("dvarapala"), standing on clouds, in martial posture. Bronze, with fine dark green and reddish patina. China, Tang Dynasty. Height: 5.7 cm. The statue is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Left arm missing, some abrasion, otherwise very good condition