19th C. Tibetan Wood Dance Mask Citipati Skeletal Deity
Central Asia, Tibet, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden dance mask depicting the face of a Citipati, a skeletal protector deity in Tibetan Buddhism. The expressive mask bears gaunt cheek bones, a triangular nose with delineated nostrils, hemispherical eyes within recessed cavities, and a grinning mouth full of incised teeth. Traces of original white pigment are visible along the forehead and face, and red pigment can be seen within the mouth and eyes. Size: 6.2" W x 8.625" H (15.7 cm x 21.9 cm); 9.4" H (23.9 cm) on included custom stand.
Despite their bulging eyes, gnashing teeth and overall frightening appearance, the Citipati protect the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) from forces of dejection and ignorance. Typically depicted in pairs, the skeletons or Citipati (also known as Chitipati) represent a pair of lovers known as the Lord and Lady of the funeral pyre, whose sacred skeleton dance symbolizes the eternal dance of death as well as the arrival at absolute consciousness. In the traditional performance of the Tibetan Skeleton dance at cemeteries, the two Dharmapalas (Protectors of Truth) are played by Monks. They are deities whose primary role is to protect the cemetery grounds. Beyond this, their presence signifies the ephemeral nature of this earthly world and reminds the audience members of their own mortality. The cult of the "Second Buddha," Padmasambhava, planted the seed for this practice through their rich mythological literature.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#150514
Condition Report: Minor nicks and abrasions to face, peripheries, and verso, with darkening to most original pigmentation, and light softening to some finer details, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits and faint traces of original pigment throughout. Old inventory label within verso.
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Central Asia, Tibet, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden dance mask depicting the face of a Citipati, a skeletal protector deity in Tibetan Buddhism. The expressive mask bears gaunt cheek bones, a triangular nose with delineated nostrils, hemispherical eyes within recessed cavities, and a grinning mouth full of incised teeth. Traces of original white pigment are visible along the forehead and face, and red pigment can be seen within the mouth and eyes. Size: 6.2" W x 8.625" H (15.7 cm x 21.9 cm); 9.4" H (23.9 cm) on included custom stand.
Despite their bulging eyes, gnashing teeth and overall frightening appearance, the Citipati protect the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) from forces of dejection and ignorance. Typically depicted in pairs, the skeletons or Citipati (also known as Chitipati) represent a pair of lovers known as the Lord and Lady of the funeral pyre, whose sacred skeleton dance symbolizes the eternal dance of death as well as the arrival at absolute consciousness. In the traditional performance of the Tibetan Skeleton dance at cemeteries, the two Dharmapalas (Protectors of Truth) are played by Monks. They are deities whose primary role is to protect the cemetery grounds. Beyond this, their presence signifies the ephemeral nature of this earthly world and reminds the audience members of their own mortality. The cult of the "Second Buddha," Padmasambhava, planted the seed for this practice through their rich mythological literature.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#150514
Condition Report: Minor nicks and abrasions to face, peripheries, and verso, with darkening to most original pigmentation, and light softening to some finer details, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits and faint traces of original pigment throughout. Old inventory label within verso.
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