Description:

East Asia, China / Tibet, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th century or earlier CE. A remarkable nephrite jade Citipati skull featuring an elongated, smiling mouth and pierced orifices leading to a hollow center. In addition to the eyes, nose, and ear holes, a large vertical hole is drilled from the top of the head through the neck. This design suggests it may have served as a decorative piece, potentially as a pendant, garment toggle, or a finial for a khatvanga staff used in Buddhist rituals. The Citipati, appearing as skeletal figures, are guardians of the Dharma (Buddhist teachings), protecting against dejection and ignorance. Their sacred skeleton dance and iconography symbolizes the eternal cycle of death and the attainment of absolute consciousness while reminding observers of life's impermanence. Tibetan Buddhism experienced a peak in popularity in Chinese courts during the Qing Dynasty. Size: 1.25" W x 1.5" H (3.2 cm x 3.8 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection

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#190079

  • Condition: Intact and excellent. Choice.

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December 6, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000