Mask of a grotesque character with twisted nose ; accident on the left side, slit on the chin (see pix) ; 26 x 16 cms.
End of 19th - beginning of 20th C, West Nepal, Gurung.

Indian Ramayana mask of Hanuman, General of King Sugriva's army of monkeys in the great Ramayana epic, wearing his headdress with 3 tips.
Old and heavy hard wood mask, beautiful patina, remnants of blue pigments.
Very good condition. 27x17 cms. More than 100 years old, most likely 19th C . India, Himachal Pradesh

Antique Indian « ayigalu », lingam casket, used by the Lingayat in Karnatakka ; complete with its chain. 6 x 5cms. CE 236 (see Bibliography)

Though the traditional practice of Tibetan "sky burial" is well known. But in some areas of Tibet the Buddhist practice of cremation is also used for some individuals, and The ashes are placed in a box made specifically for that purpose. This cremation box dates to the 18th century and has carved line decoration on the sides... It is made so that the top is keyed to the bottom and slides open from one end...

Old wooden Phurba...nicely aged patina from handling and use... Faces topped with diadems, 3 side "blade"section has carved scroll design almost 11 inches long high. Alternative spelling...phurpa,phurbha, Pronunciation: Fur-bah The Phurba is a special triple sided Tibetan ritual dagger or stake, patterned after an ancient Vedic tool. Originated as a stake that tethered sacrificial animals...

Very rare Pair of original Antique Himalayan Chitapati bronze Skeletons once used in important Himalayan rituals. Depicted as male and female, standing with grimacing countenances, Condition is constant with age an natural worn from use. Mounted on custom bases for presentation.

Citipati known in Sanskrit as (चितिपति) is a protector deity or supernatural being in Tibetan Buddhism and Vajrayana Buddhism of India...

An unusual model of Phurba in lost wax cast bronze and gilded with mercury. Iron blade. The handle is made up of a whole bust of the deity and not just a head as we can usually find it. Known models with busts are extremely rare, there are 2 or 3 in the museums of Delhi. Examination shows us that it is not a montage from a cut statuette but that the bust was cast especially for this Phurba. The lower part of the skull necklace was broken and lost; it was replaced...

Antique Tibetan kangling, a trumpet made for use in Buddhist chöd rituals and funerals. The kangling was played by the practitioner as an act of fearlessness and compassion, drawing out the hungry spirits so that they may have their suffering relieved. Kangling, which literally translates as "leg flute", were traditionally made of either a human tibia or femur and preferably that of a criminal or someone who died a violent death. The leg bone of a respected teacher was also acceptable...

Tibetan antique set of 3 heads from a khatvanga ritual staff. The Tantric (esoteric) Buddhist ceremonial staff would have been held by an advanced practitioner during ceremonies and was a sacred object assisting in the rule over subtle bodies of energy. The three human heads (fresh, dried and bare skull), which once adorned the top of the staff in a stacked position, represent the 3 poisons of lust, hate and delusion...

An antique Nepalo-Tibetan White Tara cast in bronze with gold gilt and a ruby stone mounted on the crown. White Tara is seen as a protective deity. This is a fragment to a large shrine which included a Green Tara, central Buddha and White Tara.

Date: 18th C

Dimensions: 8.75"

A gilt bronze figure of Heruka with fierce rolling tongue expression, holding a chopper and skull cup. The deity stands in a warrior's pose with right knee up and pivoting. The flowing drapery suggests movement and dance rituals. The figure is mounted on a bronze base.

Heruka is the name of a category of wrathful deities in Vajrayana Buddhism. These enlightened beings adopt a fierce countenance to benefit sentient beings. In East Asia, they are called Wisdom Kings...

Antique Tibetan pair of low folding tables. Originally used by Buddhist priests for teaching and praying, these unusual tables fold down for travel. The front and sides of the table are hinged on wooden dowels and fold into the tray created by the table top when it is turned upside down. Painted with colorful scenes of birds and flowers. The table top surface is painted with red lacquer, decorated with gold dragons in the center and fruit branches in the corners...

Rare Tibetan antique skull drum called a damaru (or damru). Two skulls make up the two sided drum connected in the middle. Two small beads at the end of thin cords attached in the center beat the drum when it held upright and twisted. A long silk sash (chopen) decorated with two tassels and auspicious symbols hangs from the center. The damaru is a sacred instrument adopted from the Hindu tantric practices of ancient India...

Antique Tibetan pair of offering bowls. Each bowl is carved of burl wood and has an ornate silver foot decorated with cabochons of coral and turquoise. The silver bottom of each bowl is incised with a scene of mother and baby fu lions. The bowls have interiors that have been lined and edged with silver.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions of each: 2 1/2" high x 6 1/4" wide

Antique pair of kapala, Buddhist ritual skull cups made of silver and mixed metal. Each cup stands on a triangular shaped base with repoussé flames and skulls. The cups themselves are rimmed with rows of tiny skulls and have lids with vajra finials. Show ritual use.

Age: c19thc/early 20thc

Dimensions: 4 3/4" high x 3 3/4" wide

Copper kapala with vajra top handle cover lid, its skull base with design of outlines and seams on outer body. Resting on copper triangular stand with three detachable skulls and foliate design in bas relief on body.

Provenance: Lama Les of the Orgyen Dorje Den Tibetan Buddhist Temple.

20th century

Dimensions: 7" x 5 1/2" x 9 1/2" H

Antique Tibetan wooden sutra cover, carved with 58 seated bodhisattvas on the front, gilded and painted with details...

Antique Himalayan lidded box for Buddhist ritual use. Cylindrical form with four feet. Decorated with mixed metal inlay of silver and copper. The sides with a central band of heads and skulls. The lid with double vajra motif and an outer band of intricately inlaid silver coils.

Age: 18th century

Dimensions: 4 1/2" high x 4" wide