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21

Important Ritual Gold Mask, Liao Dynasty

Currency:EUR Category:Collectibles Start Price:20,000.00 EUR Estimated At:32,000.00 - 40,000.00 EUR
Important Ritual Gold Mask, Liao Dynasty
Gilt copper sheet
North China, Liao Dynasty (907-1125)
Fine repoussé work
Verso with malachite colored patina
Individual facial features with finely engraved details
Attached ears on the sides
Face of a man with accentuated eyebrows and beard
Mask for funeral ceremony
Further important examples can be found in the Musée Guimet, Paris and the Philadelphia Museum of Art
On an acrylic stand
Dimensions of the mask: 18 x 21.5 cm
Very good condition
Provenance: Private collection M.E., USA
Michael Fiorello, Philadelphia, USA

This significant ritual and funerary mask dates back to the North Chinese Liao Dynasty (907-1125). The mask was part of a funeral ceremony, which was laid on the face. This burial custom was particularly common in the steppe peoples of Asia and refers to the nomadic heritage of the Khitan of the Liao dynasty. However, such a golden mask was only for the elite (see the mask of Princess Chen, dated 1018, Inner Mongolia (Research Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology of Inner Mongolia)). Here the piece comes on an acrylic stand. Further important examples can be found in the Musée Guimet, Paris and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.



Literature: Hsueh-man Shen, Gilded Splendor: Treasures of China's Liao Empire: Treasures of China's Liao Empire (907-1125), New York 2008, pp. 100, 108.



Condition: The mask is in very good condition for its age with usual signs of use, such as small dents, gilt wear and scratches. The height measures 18 cm and the width 21.5 cm. The height with stand is 24 cm.

Provenance: Private collection M.E., USA

Michael Fiorello, Philadelphia, USA


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