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Nepalese Polychromed Terracotta Mask of Bhairava
$25,000
£19,016.37
€21,920.39
CA$35,494.73
A$38,093.81
CHF 20,419.79
MX$458,441.55
NOK 257,463.30
SEK 234,770.85
DKK 163,745.19
About the Item
This exceptional mask of Bhairava is finely modeled with an open mouth, bulging eyes, and sharply arched brows. The wrathful expression is flanked by foliate hooped earrings and surmounted by a foliate skull tiara with the head of Ganga at center, while his hair stands wildly on end, supporting several small serpents.
Notes
A form of the Hindu god Shiva, Bhairava is the protector of the city of Kathmandu in Nepal and is venerated by both Hindus and Buddhists.
Monumental, masklike faces of Bhairava are made in Nepal for various festivals, most notably Indra Jatra, which is celebrated over several days in early fall in the Kathmandu Valley. During the festival, hollow faces like this one are garlanded in flowers and put on platforms. Each face has a spout emerging from its mouth that is attached to a vessel containing home-brewed beer. When the sanctified beer is released, Hindus and Buddhists jostle to catch a mouthful, treating it like a benediction from Bhairava that brings good luck for the year to come.
Provenance
Private collection, Europe, acquired 12 May 1990.
Indian and Southeast Asian Art, Christie's New York, September 16th, 2014.
Private Collection, Los Angeles California.
- Dimensions:Height: 13.5 in (34.29 cm)Width: 11 in (27.94 cm)Depth: 6 in (15.24 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:16th Century AD
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Fine condition with abrasions and surface wear commensurate with age throughout. Some losses and minor chipping to elements of the hair and central medallions. Patches of pigment from evidenced ritual use remain.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: MS.00811stDibs: LU10743248261372
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