A Gilt-Copper Repousse Mask of Bhairava Nepal | 16th Century

Project Description

Description: Copper, 41.5 cm
Catalogue note: A fearsome form of the Hindu deity Shiva, the wide-eyed and fanged Bhairava embodies rage. A small hole that pierces the inner mouth was used during the annual Indrayatra festival to funnel beer into a drinking tube to bless devotees. The representation of Bhairava as an independent mask-like head is unique to the Newari metal workers of Nepal, who are famous throughout the Himalayan world for their skills in working copper.
Provenance: Acquired from Christie’s, Sale 16049, Lot 307, Invoice no. DB18004686. Collection of Mr. and Mrs. James Coburn, Los Angeles, since the 1970s| Acquired by the present owner from the above, early 2000s.
Catalogue no.: 2018A0039