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Ritual Lingzhi Fungus Mask

Ritual Lingzhi Fungus Mask

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Ritual Lingzhi Fungus Mask

by [Mask]

  • Used
Condition
Used; Like New/Used; Like New
Seller
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Brooklyn, NY and Newton, Massachusetts, United States
Item Price
NZ$11,064.30
Or just NZ$11,030.26 with a
Bibliophiles Club Membership
NZ$20.43 Shipping to USA
Standard delivery: 8 to 14 days

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About This Item

Used; Like New/Used; Like New. An extraordinary mask, probably 19th century, has been formed from a large, single Lingzhi fungus (Ganoderma Lucidum). The natural structure of the fungus has been coaxed into forming a nose, ears, a mouth and eyes. Two holes on either side allow for a natural twine to have been threaded through so that the mask can be either worn or hung for (perhaps) ritual display. The surface is hard, glossy and dramatically wrinkled. 22.5cm (h) x  21cm (w).
It is believed that such masks were worn ritually to frighten off malevolent spirits. Most extant fungus masks are of black (or blackened) Lingzhi fungus. Pannier (2009, p. 68) illustrates a mask translated as a 'mushroom' mask which appears to be made from a single fungus – possibly a Lingzhi – but coloured with red pigment.Nepalese fungus masks are rare. Dating them is difficult. There are few in private or museum collections. The surface is glossy and encrusted with a varying patina suggesting some significant age. Possibly it was darkened with soot although there is no residual smokiness present.The example here is in an excellent, stable condition with just the odd small loss to the extremities as might be expected. The texture is hard and robust rather than crumbly and friable. It has a wood-like consistency.References: Pannier, F. (ed.), Masks of the Himalayas, 5 Continents, 2009.Provenance: acquired from Michael Backman Limited, London, May 6, 2015.

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Details

Bookseller
Schubertiade US (US)
Bookseller's Inventory #
18961
Title
Ritual Lingzhi Fungus Mask
Author
[Mask]
Book Condition
New Used; Like New
Jacket Condition
Used; Like New
Quantity Available
1
Keywords
Art :: Art/Sculpture :: Culture, Ethnicity & Gender :: Art & Design :: History & Historiography

Terms of Sale

Schubertiade

Net cash upon receipt of material ordered. We accept credit cards and Paypal payments through our website. We also accept cash, check, wire, and money orders with prior arrangement. Phone and Email orders welcomed:

As members of PADA, ABAA and ILAB, we guarantee that all items we sell are authentic and as represented and described. But our guarantee is more than that: as lovers and purveyors of rare books and documents that speak to us across time, this is a fundamental value of our business. We do not offer for sale any items which we do not believe in 100% as to do otherwise would be a betrayal of our values. We strive for accurate descriptions of all items and display photographs of everything we offer and are happy to provide further images on request by email and to answer any detailed questions about condition by phone or email prior to purchase. In the very rare instance where we may have overlooked a significant condition issue, we are always willing to accept a return within 3 days of receipt of an item. But we also sell all items - through our website and through direct negotiation by phone or email - subject to the following stipulation:

Unless sold "on approval" by advance agreement in writing, should a client at any point have authenticity concerns about an item purchased from us, we require any return request to be accompanied by THREE written opinions against the authenticity of the item in question. These opinions must be from recognized specialist dealers/authenticators in the relevant field of autographs/manuscripts, art, or books/music. If the claim is in regards to an autograph, at least one opinion must be from a member of the Professional Autograph Dealers Association (a guide by specialization is posted on the PADA website). We do not accept returns under any other circumstances. All purchases made from Schubertiade Music & Arts LLC (through the website, by phone or email, or through any other sales outlet) constitute the purchaser's consent to these terms.

In some circumstances by mutual agreement we may agree to accept back an item for other reasons, subject to a restocking fee of 25%

About the Seller

Schubertiade

Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Biblio member since 2008
Brooklyn, NY and Newton, Massachusetts

About Schubertiade

Biblio's astonishingly poor platform does not permit us to paste a description of our business here. Please see the Schubertiade website at www.SchubertiadeMusic.com to learn more about us.

Glossary

Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:

New
A new book is a book previously not circulated to a buyer. Although a new book is typically free of any faults or defects, "new"...
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