Catalog (77)

Chinese Song Dynasty Guanyin Wood Sculpture. 41.5 inches, 105 cm.

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.

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.

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.

Old Greenland Inuit Figure. The second photo shows the superb face rendered on the attachment. From the collection of Irwin Hersey, renowned author on 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. 7 inches, 18 cm.

Unique Burmese Gilded Bronze Buddha with Human Face and an Inscription that winds around the circumference. 10 inches, 25.5 cm.

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

Sri Lankan Monkey Mask used in the Kolam Natima Fetus Protection Ritual Drama that was performed when a tribe member was pregnant. The tribe's Edura (Shaman) wears the mask in the Kolam Natima masked dance-drama, and portrays a monkey who dances and cavorts to placate the demons that threaten the health of the unborn child. This particular mask is wonderfully rendered, with his ear-to-ear grin and bulging eyes, and the beautiful original pigments are still intact. From the collection of Sam Hilu, prominent collector and author on Asian and African art. 17.5 x 11 x 9 inches, 44.5 x 28 x 23 cm.

Burmese Bronze Sakyamuni Buddha, the Historical Buddha, making the earth-touching gesture with his right hand, and the meditating gesture with his left hand. From the Northern Shan state of Burma. Traces of gilding. 8.75 inches (22 cm) high.

Chinese Junyao bowl from the Yuan Dynasty. 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. 4.5w x 1.75h inches, 11.5w x 4.5 cm.

Chinese Song Dynasty Jingdezhen Porcelain Dish from Fogg Museum and Toledo Museum. 4.25 inches wide x 1 inch high; 11 cm wide x 2.5 cm high.

Antique Stone and Metal Chinese Seal Chop from the published and renowned collection of Sam Hilu, a prominent author and adviser on traditional Asian art. 5 inches, 12.5 cm.

Rare 18th Century Burmese Wood Doll with Leather Skirt, Articulated Arms, and Painted Leather Hat Acquired by Irwin Hersey from Ohly's of London in 1976. 10 inches, 25.5 inches. 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.

Exquisite Painted Bronze Qing Dynasty Chinese Guan Yin Bodhisattva of Compassion. Height: 4.75 inches (12 cm). From an important and published collection. Provenance available upon request.

Large Horse Head Festival Mask from Orissa, India. 2 feet (61cm). 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.