19th C. Tibetan Dance Mask Citipati Skeletal Protector

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Exceptional Ancient, Ethnographic, & Fine Art...

By Artemis Gallery

Mar 9, 2023

Set Reminder 2023-03-09 10:00:00 2023-03-09 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Ancient, Ethnographic, & Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-ancient-ethnographic-fine-art-12354
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• Lot Description
  **First Time At Auction**
  
  Central Asia, Himalayan region, Tibet or Nepal, ca. 19th to mid-20th century CE. A striking gilt copper dance mask of a Citipati, a skeletal protector deity in Himalayan Buddhism, the thick metal sheet is embossed and repousse molded to create depth and shadows across the gaunt visage. Despite the grinning teeth and overall intense and frightening appearance, the Citipati protect the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) from forces of dejection and ignorance. Pairs of Citipati (also known as Chitipati) represent lovers known as the Lord and Lady of the funeral pyre, whose sacred skeleton dance symbolizes the eternal dance of death as well as the arrival at absolute consciousness. Size: 9.25" W x 11.5" H (23.5 cm x 29.2 cm); 16.25" H (41.3 cm) on included custom stand; gold quality: 10%
  
  Despite their intense and overall frightening appearance, the Citipati protect the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) from forces of dejection and ignorance. Typically depicted in pairs, the skeletons or Citipati (also known as Chitipati) represent a pair of lovers known as the Lord and Lady of the funeral pyre, whose sacred skeleton dance symbolizes the eternal dance of death as well as the arrival at absolute consciousness. In the traditional performance of the Tibetan Skeleton dance at cemeteries, the two Dharmapalas (Protectors of Truth) are played by Monks. They are deities whose primary role is to protect the cemetery grounds. Beyond this, their presence signifies the ephemeral nature of this earthly world and reminds the audience members of their own mortality. The cult of the "Second Buddha," Padmasambhava, planted the seed for this practice through their rich mythological literature.
  
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  Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private San Francisco, California, USA collection
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
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  #177281

  Condition

  Intact without repairs or restoration. Some areas of green patina on teeth. Dark patina and toning across surface. Minor abrasions and indentations. Overall excellent condition.
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