A gilt copper repousse mask of Bhairava
Nepal, 17th Century
Finely modelled with open mouth, three bulging eyes, and flaming beard, eyelashes, and brows
12½ in. (31.6 cm.) high
Details
- Title : A gilt copper repousse mask of Bhairava
- Classification : Cultural Objects
- Medium : Gilt - Copper
- Country/ Geo-location : Nepal
- Period : 17th Century
- Collection : Christies
- LOT : 276
- Lot Essay : Masks of Bhairava play an important role during the Indrajatra festival. A stream of beer is released through a tube issuing from the mouth into a crowd of celebrants, eager to receive a few swallows. The beer or wine is considered a gift of the god Bhairava himself, who is a wrathful manifestation of Shiva.
- Price realised : USD 17,500
- Estimate : USD 10,000 - USD 15,000
- Provenance : Private collection, Europe, acquired from Sotheby's New York, 28 March 1996, lot 35