Monpa, India, State of Arunachal Pradesh: A very old mask for the so-called ‘cham’ dances.
Monpa, India, State of Arunachal Pradesh: A very old mask for the so-called ‘cham’ dances.
Monpa live in the north-eastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, to the east of Bhutan and on either side of the border to Tibet (China). Culturally and artistically they belong to Tibetan Buddhism, which prevails throughout the Himalaya regions. Monpa have a distinct repertoire of masks, which are worn by monks at big monastery or temple celebrations during the so-called ‘cham’ dances. The present mask is carved from light-coloured wood and dyed black on both its front side and the back. With small traces of white and red highlighting. It has a bald head, a flat face with big eyes, protruding ears, and a laughing, open mouth with pronounced incisors. A small moustache made of brown fur is fastened under the nose. In all probability, this mask is a representation of a ‘jester’ — stock character of ‘cham’ dances. A typical, perfectly crafted piece, with very old and largely shiny usage patina. A piece is broken off from the back rim and the edge of one of the ears is somewhat chipped. Only light colour scuffing. No other damage. H: 30 cm; W: 23 cm. First third of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance: Private Collection, Brussels.
Lit.: 'Himalayas' by Eric Chazot & L. et M. Durand-Dessert. ill. 76, 77, 81.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
02.11.2015 - 14:00
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 4,000.-
Monpa, India, State of Arunachal Pradesh: A very old mask for the so-called ‘cham’ dances.
Monpa live in the north-eastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, to the east of Bhutan and on either side of the border to Tibet (China). Culturally and artistically they belong to Tibetan Buddhism, which prevails throughout the Himalaya regions. Monpa have a distinct repertoire of masks, which are worn by monks at big monastery or temple celebrations during the so-called ‘cham’ dances. The present mask is carved from light-coloured wood and dyed black on both its front side and the back. With small traces of white and red highlighting. It has a bald head, a flat face with big eyes, protruding ears, and a laughing, open mouth with pronounced incisors. A small moustache made of brown fur is fastened under the nose. In all probability, this mask is a representation of a ‘jester’ — stock character of ‘cham’ dances. A typical, perfectly crafted piece, with very old and largely shiny usage patina. A piece is broken off from the back rim and the edge of one of the ears is somewhat chipped. Only light colour scuffing. No other damage. H: 30 cm; W: 23 cm. First third of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance: Private Collection, Brussels.
Lit.: 'Himalayas' by Eric Chazot & L. et M. Durand-Dessert. ill. 76, 77, 81.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 02.11.2015 - 14:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 28.10. - 02.11.2015 |