
Jing Wen
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Global Head of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art

International Director

International Specialist

Head of Sale, Specialist
TWO PAPIER-MÂCHÉ SKULL DANCE MASKS
MONGOLIA, 19TH CENTURY
蒙古 十九世紀 紙塑骼髏舞面具兩件
These skull masks, which are either undecorated or surmounted by a vajra finial, represent the lower-ranked skeleton dancers that accompany a Chitipati couple.
Chitipati masks were worn during Tibetan ritual dance ceremonies throughout Mongolia and the Himalayas. Their wrathful appearance has parallels to the concept of momento mori, acting as reminders of death and the impermanence of all things. Compare to another papier-mâché wearing a five-pointed crown in this sale, see lot 165.
Published:
Francois Pannier, La Danse Des Morts: Citipati De l'Himalaya, Danse Macabres et Vanites De l'Occident, Paris, 2004, p. 125, no. 36.
Exhibited:
La Danse Des Morts: Citipati De l'Himalaya, Danse Macabres et Vanites De l'Occident, Galerie le Toit du Monde, Paris, 15 September – 30 October 2004.
Remember That You Will Die, Rubin Museum of Art, New York, 19 March - 9 August 2010.
Provenance:
Eudale Daltabuit, Barcelona, 1990s