Citipati-style Mask, Carved And Painted Wooden Skull — Himalayan Art

A carved and painted wooden mask depicting a smiling skull, of the Citipati type, in the Himalayan iconographic tradition.

The sculpture is distinguished by its strongly accentuated features: a rounded forehead, prominent cheekbones, wide, open eye sockets, and an open mouth revealing two rows of teeth. The arched eyebrows and broad smile give the face a particularly lively expression.

A polychrome scheme in golden ochre tones covers the face, accented with red around the eye sockets and between the teeth, while the eyebrows and nasal cavity are outlined in black. The hollowed-out reverse side reveals traces of the carving process.

A distinctive piece whose expressive presence would be well-suited to a collection of masks, Asian art, or a cabinet of curiosities.

Condition: surface wear and wear to the polychrome paint; small irregularities and visible cracks on the reverse. See the detailed photographs.

Material: carved and painted wood.

Dimensions:

Height: 20 cm

Width: 16 cm

Depth: 10 cm

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