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Cham Mahakala mask Tibet / Nepal
350 € EUR
Japan
Edo period (1603 - 1858) / 19th century
Guardian lion shown seated, head turned to the left. It features a massive body with powerful chest and legs, expressing great strength. The mane and tail are treated in broad, swirling curls, with tufts of hair in wide, undulating locks. The expressively rendered head features piercing eyes, swirling tufts of hair and a closed mouth (a gyō), traditionally interpreted as evoking the last letter of the alphabet taken from Sanskrit (um) and which may, by analogy, refer to the Western omega.
Called komainu in Japan and placed in pairs at the entrance to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, guardian lions are protectors of the faith and ward off evil spirits.
The traditional technique used here for shaping the statue is called Yosegi-Zukuri, and consists in carving different pieces designed separately before manufacture (here more than a dozen) and then assembling them with spikes.
Wood, glass, old traces of lacquer
Minor accidents, cracks and wear, in keeping with the age of the piece.
39 x 41 cm
Private collection
Ref: BPEYP3SXTN
| Style | Asian Arts (Wood carvings of Asian Arts Style) |
| Period | 19th century (Wood carvings 19th century) |
| Shipping Time | Ready to ship in 2-3 Business Days |
| Location | 38090, Villefontaine, France |
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