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
NOT SOLD (BIDDING OVER)
0.00EUR+ applicable fees & taxes.
This item WAS NOT SOLD. Auction date was 2014 Sep 26 @ 18:00UTC+2
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
Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.
Auction Location:
Franklinstrasse 13, Berlin, 10587, Germany
Buyer's Premiums:
From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
0.00 |
Infinite |
0% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
No Info Available
Payment Details:
We currently offer the following payment methods:
Credit card: Pay instantly and safely with your American Express, Diners Club, Visa or MasterCard credit card, via our payment provider Wirecard.
PayPal: Pay instantly with a secure, direct link to your PayPal account.
Bank transfer: Send your payment safely and conveniently to our account at Commerzbank Berlin.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- VISA
- Master Card
- AMEX
- Diners Club
- PayPal
- Wire Transfer