Nepalese Ritual Mask In Papier Mâché, Decorated With Citipati - 20th Century

Important ritual mask from Nepal, made of polychrome papier-mâché, depicting a demonic head crowned with Citipati figures.

The main face, with expressive, powerful features, features bulging eyes, an open mouth revealing accentuated dentition and a protruding tongue, typical of Himalayan protective iconography. The forehead is adorned with a stylized third eye, reinforcing the object's symbolic and spiritual dimension.

The upper part is decorated with a crown of small skeletal figures, identifiable as Citipati, tantric figures associated with the macabre dance and impermanence in Vajrayāna Buddhism.

Their presence lends the mask a strong ritual and apotropaic charge.

Vivid polychrome, predominantly red, with green, ochre and black highlights. Beautiful patina. Visible wear, chips and small accidents, consistent with ritual or festive use.

Rough interior painted black, typical of Nepalese handcrafted production.

Twentieth-century work.

Dimensions:

Height: 44 cm

Width: 34 cm

Depth: 22 cm

Condition:

Uses of use, small chips and lacks of polychromy, no visible restoration.

Provenance:

Private collection.

Very beautiful decorative and ethnographic piece, both expressive and charged with symbolism.

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