On March 28th, we are pleased to present for sale a remarkable collection from the Tibetan region, showcasing impressive activity between the 12th and 14th centuries. Among the most notable creations are the manuscript covers that enriched the collections of Buddhist temples. We present a fabulous collection, illustrating the talent and creativity of the artisans of that time (lots 209 to 215).


Tibet XIIe-XIIIe Centuries
Significant upper cover of a Buddhist manuscript.
Polychrome wood in red, black, and gold. The central part with a decoration of lozenge bands standing out against a background of dense gold interlacing, with a medallion in the center featuring some of the Eight Buddhist Symbols.
The whole surrounded by a frieze of swirls where birds and masks of mythical creatures blend together.
Dim. 30 x 75,5 cm

Tibet XIIe Century
Upper cover of a Buddhist manuscript.
Carved wood depicting the Buddha Shakyamuni in the earth-touching gesture within a nimbus framed by a frieze of stylized swirls. Traces of ancient gilding and polychrome.
Dim. 11,8 x 44,3 cm

Tibet XIIe Century
Upper cover of a Buddhist manuscript.
Carved wood depicting the Buddha Shakyamuni in the earth-touching gesture within a nimbus framed by a frieze of stylized swirls. Traces of ancient gilding and polychromy.
Dim. 11,8 x 44,3 cm

Tibet XIIe Century
Upper cover of a Buddhist manuscript.
Carved wood depicting the Buddha Shakyamuni resting on a nimbus framed by Manjusri and Vajrasattva against a background of swirling motifs.
The whole surrounded by a frieze of stylized lotus petals. The wood with a beautiful patina.
Dim. 13,2 x 34,7 cm

Tibet XVe-XVIe Centuries
Lower cover of a Buddhist manuscript.
Carved wood depicting a makara, its mouth open, its body merging into a dense network of stylized foliage swirls.
The whole surrounded by a beaded frieze and a stylized scroll. Beautiful traces of ancient gilding and polychromy.
Dim. 26,5 x 72,5 cm

Tibet XVe Century
Upper cover of a Buddhist manuscript.
Carved wood depicting the Buddha Shakyamuni seated under a torana populated by the Six Paramitas, framed by Manjusri and an unidentified jina against a background of dense swirls.
The whole surrounded by lotus petal motifs.
Dim. 10,9 x 36,4 cm

Tibet XVIIIe Century
Lower cover of a Buddhist manuscript.
Carved wood depicting dense swirls punctuated by small flowers, surrounded by friezes of beads and lotus petals. With a beautiful ancient patina.
Dim. 15,3 x 67,7 cm

We will also have the pleasure of presenting for sale a remarkable set of two ceremonial masks (lots 219 and 220).


Tibetan region, 18th century
= Significant mask Polychrome wood representing a fierce deity with red complexion, bulging eyes, enraged expression, and showing fangs.
The head topped with a crown of five citipati heads. Beautiful polychromy.
Dim. 34 x 30 cm


India, Arunachal Pradesh or eastern Bhutan Late 19th century to early 20th century
Jeimuh Mask Polychrome wood, with a small face and pointed chin, almond-shaped eyes delicately outlined and framing an arched nose.
The lips form a beautiful crescent smile.
The face is framed by two ears and four floral-shaped ornaments.
The hair falls in symmetrical bands on the forehead and is topped by a headdress with a moon and a sun. Beautiful polychromy.
Dimensions: 31.5 x 23 cm
PROVENANCE
Former François Pannier collection.

Masked Buddhist dances, or cham, with their inherently sacred nature, constitute an important aspect of tantric Buddhist rituals. With ancient origins, they are performed by specially trained religious practitioners during significant festivals held in monastery courtyards, where monks and devotees gather in large numbers to witness these ceremonies, as beautiful, colorful, and spectacular as they are. These choreographed dances, requiring practitioners' perfect concentration, depict numerous characters from the Buddhist pantheon or folklore, including various deities with peaceful or fierce aspects. For monk-dancers, cham represents a form of dynamic, intense, and dramatic meditation, often associated with subduing demonic forces obstructing the path to spiritual enlightenment.
The masks are worn high on the head and secured using cords wrapped with strips of fabric to prevent the performers from injuring themselves while in motion. It is through the open mouths of these masks, rather than the eyes, that the dancers see.

Asian Art
Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 2:30 PM

For more information or to include a lot in our sales, please contact
Clémentine Guyot
Head of department Asian Art
+33 1 84 20 09 18
guyot@aguttes.com