Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian (179)

Nepalese Magar Tribe Mask with a Vagina and an Inscription in the forehead, and a Penis Nose. 9.5 inches, 24 cm. From the collection of Irwin Hersey, renowned author on Asian and primitive art, and publisher of the Primitive Art Newsletter in the 1970s. Irwin Hersey was an advisor to museums and prominent collectors, and vetted pieces for many of the international tribal art fairs and Asian art fairs.

Burmese Bronze Buddha with Movable Left Hand. 16.5 inches, 42 cm.

Nepalese Terai Region Maiden Mask, 10.25 inches, 26 cm. From the collection of Irwin Hersey, renowned author on Asian and primitive art, and publisher of the Primitive Art Newsletter in the 1970s. Irwin Hersey was an advisor to museums and prominent collectors, and vetted pieces for many of the international tribal art fairs and Asian art fairs.

Very Rare 13th Century Celadon Bowl with Elaborate Gold Painting. Gold-painted celadons were produced during a short period of time in the late 13th Century in Korea, so they are very rare. Black and white slip inlay is used for the design of the Willow Trees (ancient symbol of peace and contentment), Duck Family (symbol of blissful family life), Pampas Grass (symbol of autumn), Bullocho (mythical longevity plant), Lotus Blossoms (symbol of purity and rebirth), Chrysanthemums (symbol of well-being and abundance), and Orchids (symbol of modesty). Real gold paint is used throughout, for the bullocho, the pampas flowers, the irises, the ducks, the three rings that circle the interior of the bowl at the top to create a band for the inlaid floral scroll, and the two rings at the bottom of the bowl interior that create a solar center for the gold chrysanthemum. The exterior of the bowl is as elaborately inlaid as the interior, with gorgeous floral scrolls and sprays throughout, and a ring of stylized lotus blossoms at the bottom. Old gold lacquer repair like you see here is considered desirable by serious collectors and adds value along with character and history to a very rare, true masterpiece of celadon. As a philosophy, "golden repair" treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise. Pieces were even sometimes deliberately broken in order to apply this aesthetic to them. 7.5w x 2.75h inches, 19w x 7h cm.

The only authentic 19th Century Korean shaman paintings offered for sale. Sublimely rendered here is the spirit of divine response, Kameung Sillyeong. There are many 20th century reproductions of these types of paintings. Authentic Joseon Dynasty examples like this exist only in museums. And even in museums, a pair like this is very rare. You can discern them by the material and quality, such as fine hand-woven silk and mineral pigments that give warmth and depth and are vivid but not garish like modern chemical paints. The originals like this are valued not only for their superior artistry, but also for the connection they provide to the culture and spirituality of ancient authentic Korean shamanism. Much of modern Korean art and culture is rooted in shamanism. Its influence pervades Korean society, whether or not one is aware of it. This is art that is by and for the people and not art for art’s sake. Within the broad realm of Korean folk art, shaman art expresses the deepest desires of the Korean people. Shaman paintings are a fundamental part of shaman rituals to protect the home, heal the sick, divine the future, communicate with the deceased, bless and protect the crop, wedding, family, and newborn baby, and provide the people with a sense of well-being and purpose. While the court ordained official theology and commissioned art supportive of it, the commoners, from a life really lived, created and through the centuries have held onto a most syncretic belief system that borrows from Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, ancient animism, and elsewhere, and that engenders a strong connection to nature and its energy. Korean shamanism encourages a healthy defiance against official dogma, and an open-mindedness and sincerity that guides the creators and commissioners of these powerful works of art. That is why these wonderful creations by and for the people speak so directly to persons of all persuasions even today. Frame: 40 x 26 inches, 102 x 66 cm. Painting: 34.5 x 20.5 inches, 88 x 52 cm.

Fine, Rare Joseon Dynasty Silver Inlaid Box with ancient Longevity Symbols of Deer, Cranes, key fret pattern, floral and tortoise shell pattern. Double Happiness symbol on the lid. Beautiful Condition. 5.25 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches, 13.5 x 9 x9 cm.

Rare and Fine 19th Century Korean Chaekjang Book Chest. You may never see another like this for under $10,000! 33w x 26.5h x 12d inches, 84w x 67.5h x 30.5d cm.

19th Century Tibetan Thangka of Vajrapani and Mahakala from a renowned and published collection. 44 x 33 inches, 112 x 84 cm.

Fine and Rare Korean 19th Century Guardian Painting in Gold Leaf and Mineral Pigments on Silk in Excellent Condition with Vivid Colors. This would have hung on the door of a home to protect the household. This is the finest example of a door guardian painting we have ever seen. Frame: 22 x 10 inches, 56 x 25.5 cm; Painting: 19.5 x 7.5 inches, 50 x 19 cm.

Fine Old Balinese Barong Mask. Best known antique example on the market. With handles and movable jaw. From a published and renowned collection. Barong, King of the Spirits, protects families from the evil Queen Rangda of the mythical Leyak child-eating witches. 17.5 x 11 x 9 inches, 44.5 x 28 x 23 cm.

Nepalese Mask of a Humla Aesthete with a Thorja Topknot. 11 inches, 28 cm. From the collection of Irwin Hersey, renowned author on Asian and primitive art, and publisher of the Primitive Art Newsletter in the 1970s. Irwin Hersey was an advisor to museums and prominent collectors, and vetted pieces for many of the international tribal art fairs and Asian art fairs.

19th Century Korean Hat Box made entirely of Exotic Paulownia (Odong-namu) Wood. Paulownia is very desirable for collectors because of its beautiful wide grain, light weight, and fire and bug-resistant qualities. The paulownia used for this rare hat box is especially fine. (hat not included) 12 x 12 x 12 (height) inches, 31 x 31 x 31 cm.

Fine 19th Century Korean Royal Court Painting of Children at Play. This genre of Korean paintings always displays children playing in imaginary Chinese court costumes, and is called Baekdongja-do in Korean. From the ground-breaking Auspicious Spirits, Korean Folk Paintings exhibition catalogue: "Depicting the children as court nobility expressed an auspicious desire that one's own children achieve success in life." This exceptional example was displayed in the room of a wife in the Korean royal court to inspire her to become pregnant and to have healthy, playful, and successful children. It was also displayed on the first birthday of each child. Ink and colors on silk. 40 x 14.5 inches, 101.5 x 37 cm.

12th Century Conical Pure Celadon Bowl with perfect color and rare, sublime form. 6w x 2h inches, 15w x 5h cm.

19th Century Korean Hat Box made entirely of Exotic Paulownia (Odong-namu) Wood, from the collection of a French diplomat stationed in Korea in the 1950s. Paulownia is very desirable for collectors because of its beautiful wide grain, light weight, and fire and bug-resistant qualities. The paulownia used for this rare hat box is especially fine. 9.5 x 9.5 x 8.5 (height) inches, 24 x 24 x 21.5 cm.

Fine Nepalese Mask of a Rare Type with Pigments. 10.5 inches, 26.75 cm. From the collection of Irwin Hersey, renowned author on Asian and primitive art, and publisher of the Primitive Art Newsletter in the 1970s. Irwin Hersey was an advisor to museums and prominent collectors, and vetted pieces for many of the international tribal art fairs and Asian art fairs.

South China/North Vietnam Yao Shaman Ka Dong Deity Ritual Mask. This fine old mask would have been used in the same family for several generations to perform rituals such as those for a newborn baby and maturation. The wood for this important mask would have been taken from dep in the forest where spirits were believed to live. 14.5 inches, 37 cm.

Rare and Sublime Nias Island Torque Necklace in a Classic Form made of graduated slices of Coconut Shell. Purchased by a renowned and published collector at Bonham's on May 15, 2008 (Lot 507, page 14 of the catalogue). More provenance information available upon request. 9.25 inches (23.5 cm)