Vintage Nepalese Newar Hand-Painted Papier-Mâché Mask, Kathmandu Valley Style

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Description

A highly expressive vintage Nepalese papier-mâché mask, likely originating from the Kathmandu Valley and reflecting the traditional mask-making vocabulary associated … Read more A highly expressive vintage Nepalese papier-mâché mask, likely originating from the Kathmandu Valley and reflecting the traditional mask-making vocabulary associated with Newar culture.

The lightweight molded form is reinforced internally with visible woven cloth or gauze, a construction method associated with traditional Nepalese papier-mâché masks. The reverse reinforcement appears to be part of the original manufacture rather than later restoration.

The vividly hand-painted face depicts an unidentified male or ceremonial figure with large projecting eyes, a sweeping black mustache, exposed teeth, stylized facial markings and an elaborate red ceremonial headdress embellished with yellow, green, black and blue detailing.

The combination of lightweight construction, cloth reinforcement, projecting eyes and ornate painted decoration strongly supports a Nepalese attribution. While Nepal has a long tradition of masks used in ritual dance and performance, this particular example is not being represented as having documented ceremonial use.

Dimensions & Weight: approximately 7¼” H × 5½” W; 3.2 oz.

Vintage surface wear is present throughout, including rubbing, age-related discoloration, scattered abrasions and small areas of paint loss. These have been left untouched and contribute to the piece’s authentic character.

A distinctive piece of Himalayan folk art for a collected interior, gallery wall or mask collection.

Ready to hang; a non-damaging hanging solution will be included if needed. See less