Lot 167
Central Aia, Himalayan Region, Nepal, ca. late 19th to 20th century CE. A commanding Nepalese brass pectoral centered on the fierce visage of Kirtimukha, the mythic Face of Glory whose wide eyes, bulging cheeks, and curling fangs serve as a powerful apotropaic symbol in Himalayan Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The mask-like face is modeled in high relief and enriched with inlays of red stone, blue and white glass, and areas of dark blue wax set behind scrolling filigree, creating a vivid interplay of color and texture across the surface. Flanking elements echo the central ferocity with horn-like scrolls and subsidiary motifs, all framed within a pierced, scalloped outline. The reverse is plain, while small suspension holes along the edges indicate use as a pectoral ornament, likely worn during ritual, ceremonial performance, or festive display. Size: 4.7" W x 3.3" H (11.9 cm x 8.4 cm)
Pieces of this type were valued not only for their visual impact but for their protective function, as Kirtimukha was believed to ward off negative forces and proclaim spiritual authority. Rich in iconography and surface detail, this pectoral reflects the enduring vitality of Nepalese metalwork traditions at the turn of the modern era, where devotion, craftsmanship, and dramatic presence converge in a single, striking object.
Provenance: private Valley Glen, California, USA collection
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#194536
- Condition: Weathering to surface with nicks, chips, pitting and small losses to inlays. Wearable as a pectoral with nice remaining detail. Rich patina throughout.
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