China, Beijing, ca. 1850 CE. A large carved wooden mask of a warrior protector god, with horse's hair mustache and goatee. Overall stained a dark, burnished red, with lacquer, and with gilded details on the crown, the face is a startling and fierce countenance with round, hollow eyes that may once have been filled with something reflective like glass. Lines down the forehead indicating if not a growl, at least a fierce scowl. From ancient Chinese custom, large masks are hung from the doorways of houses, or at the entrance to temples or villages. These are the guarding gods, who drive away misfortune. Particularly in the Taoist pantheon, there are warrior gods, Shangyuan, Zhongyuan, and Xiayuan, generals who lead supernatural armies comprised of embodied natural forces and guard the gateway to heaven. Comes with custom stand. Size: 12" W x 17" H (30.5 cm x 43.2 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Private Boulder, CO collection acquired at Indochine Gallery

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#117816

Age wear to paint and gilding, with a dark patina on the wood surface and some scratching. Possibly missing some original material from inside of the eyes. Most of the original horse hair remains.