Catalog: Antiques (464)

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.

Porcelain cup, blue and white, with a decoration inside representing concentric floral designs surrounding a chimera located in the center. On the outside, a floral decor of same type as inside. China, apocryphal mark beneath. Early Qing dynasty period, 18th century. Diameter: 22.8 cm. Very good condition.

Statue of a guardian, with a large mustache, wearing a turban --- suggesting that the man belongs to the Sikh community --- and a uniform. Wood, with strong abrasion due to great age. India, 18th/19th century. Height: 37 cm. The statue is mounted on a custom stand. Arms and feet missing, otherwise good condition.

Fine lime box, made of silver with embossed decoration of floral and geometric design, its lid being adorned at its top with an embossed brass decor representing a stylised Buddhist Wheel of the Law. Beneath, an embossed design representing a stylised Buddhist Wheel of the Law surrounded by a floral decor. The box still contains remnants of lime, which is used for the betel. Tibet, early 20th century, maybe earlier. Dimensions: height: 4.8 cm, diameter: 6.3 cm. Very good condition.

Fine rectangular lime box made of bronze, decorated with numerous silver inserts representing floral and geometric designs. Inside the box are four compartments with their lids, also decorated with silver inserts showing stylised flowers. Philippines archipelago, Mindanao island, early 19th century. Dimensions: length: 9.3 cm, height: 6.1 cm. Slight abrasion due to age, otherwise very good condition. Provenance: Acquired in Luzon island in 1978.

Large and important bust of Hindu goddess Parvati, wife of god Shiva. This beautiful lost wax chiseled and cast bust made of bronze underlines perfectly the harmony of the face and the beauty of the jewelry the goddess is wearing. India, 19th/20th century. Height: 30.2 cm. Very good condition. NOTE 1: As the title implies, ("Parvati Mukhalinga"), this bust was associated with the Linga of Shiva. The Linga is a phallic symbol, symbolising the power of Shiva.

Small statue of Buddha, in monk's robes, sitting cross-legged on an elevated lotus throne, holding a bowl in his left hand, his right hand in protecting and blessing posture (abhaya mudra). The statue was cast in the style of the Liao dynasty Buddha images. Bronze, with fine age patina. Qing Dynasty, 18th century. Slight abrasion due to age, otherwise very good condition.

Three small amulets cast in the form of deities standing in formal dress. Bronze, with partly encrusted reddish-green patina. China, Han dynasty. Height: 52, 54 and 54 mm. All in good condition.

Partly gilt wood statue of Buddhist goddess Sho Kannon Bosatsu (one of the many forms of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara), wearing formal robes, and a diadem with a small stylised Amithaba on the front, standing, her hands joined to hold a bowl. The goddess face reflects a profound meditation. Fine age patina. Japan, Edo period, early 19th century, maybe earlier. Height: 24.2 cm. Old insect attack on the right side (no more danger), otherwise very good condition.

Wood mask of the Gigaku theater representing Konju, a figure in ancient Gigaku dance. The finely carved mask shows a very strong expression. Japan, early Edo period. Height: 18 cm. Beautiful age patina. Some abrasion, otherwise very good condition. The mask is nicely mounted on a custom stand. NOTE: Gigaku theater is one of the most ancient dramatic arts in Japan, performing ritual dance, mime and music, and taking place inside Buddhist temples...

Very rare Japanese comic demon Buaku Kyogen mask dating from the early Edo Period, the golden age of Noh Drama. The Buaku mask is a Kyogen version of the Noh Beshimi character. Kyogen were short, humorous skits performed between Noh acts to lighten the mood. The heavily knit brows and wide leering grimace are wonderful characteristics of this mask. It is covered in layered colored gofun (oyster shell lacquer)...

Terracotta vase, of elaborate form, with a polychrome decoration, painted around the body, representing eight birds. Indus Valley Civilisation, Harappan Culture, 3300-1700 B.C. Height: 6.7 cm, outside diameter: 12.1 cm. A few chips, some soil encrustation, otherwise good condition. Provenance: Paris auction sale 1969.

A fine group of three gilt bronze belt plates, of slightly rectangular form, each bearing a decoration in relief representing a musician playing an instrument. Gilt bronze, with a nice patina, partly green, partly reddish. China, Tang dynasty. Dimensions: 3.1 x 3.2 cm. Very good condition

Delicately carved head of Fuxi, wearing an elaborate cap, his beautifully detailed face showing a slight smile. Wood, with remnants of superimposed layers of colouring. Remains of animal hair under the nose and chin to represent mustache and beard. Votive box (closed) at the back. China, Ming Dynasty period, 17th century. Height: 30 cm. The head is nicely mounted on a custom stand. Very good condition despite some flaking of the colouring...