Page 137 - Himalayan Art Macrh 19 2018 Bonhams

3060
A POLYCHROMED WOOD MASK OF MAHAKALA
TIBET, 18TH/19TH CENTURY
Himalayan Art Resources item no.61566
20 1/2 in. (52.8 cm) high

$2,500 - 3,500

西藏 十八/十九世紀 彩塑木雕大黑天面具

Mahakala’s fearsome countenance is vividly expressed with his bared
fangs, a snarling mouth, a menacing gaze, and flaming brows. He
is adorned with a five-skull tiara, which is worn by all manifestations
of Mahakala, symbolizing the transmutation of human nature’s five
negative afflictions into positive virtues.

Provenance
Private European Collection, acquired in Paris, 2 May 1990
Christie’s, New York, 19 March 2013, lot 376
3061
TWO POLYCHROMED PAPIER-MACHÉ RITUAL MASKS
TIBET, 19TH CENTURY
Himalayan Art Resources item nos.61564 & 61565
13 3/8 in. (34.5 cm) high, the larger

$4,000 - 6,000

西藏 十九世紀 彩塑護法神面具一對

Each mask is dramatically modeled with a diadem of dried skulls,
flaming brows, three bulging eyes, a snubbed nose, and bared fangs.
Masks of this kind are created for Tibetan ritual dances. A closely
related example with similar fierce expression was sold at Bonhams,
New York, 17 September 2014, lot 24. 3060

Provenance
Private European Collection, acquired 1970s/80s
Sotheby’s, New York, 20 March 2013, lots 263 & 264

3061

INDIAN, HIMALAYAN & SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART | 135