A wood Bhairava mask


Nepal, 16th/17th centuryWith remains of red and yellow puja materials on the surface.Himalayan Art Resources item no.61599 19 5/8in (49.8cm) height of mask22 1/2in (57cm) height including wood display stand
|Carved with the enthralling iconography of a third eye, snake crown, crescent moon, and flaming hair, such impressive Bhairava masks are the draw of the most anticipated annual festival of the Kathmandu valley, the Indrajatra in September. At which time, alcohol is poured through the mouth of the god onto the recipients of his blessings. Other close examples were sold at Bonhams, New York, 19 March 2018, lot 3040, and 19 March 2012, lot 1094. Also compare with a larger mask published in Nies, Spirit of Compassion, Antwerp, 1995, pp.28-9.ProvenanceThe James and Marilynn Alsdorf CollectionSotheby's, New York, 5 December 1992, lot 21