Description:

Central Asia, Tibet, ca. early 20th century CE. An expressive hand-carved wooden festival mask with a fierce countenance comprised of bulging eyes within sunken sockets, a bulbous nose, a gaping mouth filled with huge fangs, drooping ears and lobes, and a crown ornamented with 5 abstract human skulls. The carefully-formed details of the face are accentuated with thick layers of vivid red, green, yellow, white, and black pigment. The deity depicted is Mahakala, the figure known as the "Great Black One" or "Great Time." Time is believed to be the destroyer of everything in Tibetan mythology, and is therefore symbolic of death and destruction. Size: 8.75" W x 10.6" H (22.2 cm x 26.9 cm).

Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection

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#145281

  • Condition: Minor chips and wear to some teeth and crown skulls, with light abrasions to obverse and reverse, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits within some recessed areas, and nice patina along the verso.

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April 25, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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