East Asia, China, late Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th century CE. A hand-carved wooden mask depicting a fierce protector of an abstract form that exhibits highly stylized and even slightly demonic characteristics. The solid mask features bulging eyes, a bulbous nose with incised nostril clefts, deep nasolabial folds flanking the gaping mouth, and rows of teeth with interspersed fangs. The flaming brows and deeply furrowed forehead imbue the mask with a sense of fear and aggression, and faint remains of polychrome pigment accentuate the dynamic presentation. A deep mortise on the verso suggests this was mounted to a wall or a large processional implement. Size: 13.125" W x 16" H (33.3 cm x 40.6 cm)
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private G. F. collection, Brooklyn, New York, USA, acquired in the 2000s
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#166434
Condition
Metal suspension wire on verso for display. Stable fissures throughout. Expected nicks, chips, and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with liberal remains of pigment.