:Gilt‑Bronze Burial Funerary Mask, Liao Dynasty

拍品描述

Dimensions:Length 23.5cm (9‑1/4in), Weight 517gCondition & Provenance:Fully intact burial mask. Distinct facial features, well‑modelled ears and perimeter stitching holes are well preserved. Retains partial original gilding over bronze base, interspersed with burial‑induced patina, verdigris and earth encrustations on both exterior and inner surface. No cracks, repairs or modern restorations. This important Liao funerary artifact originates from a private estate collection in California, collected in late 1980s, presented for auction for the first time.Description:A hollow gilt‑bronze funerary mask characteristic of Liao‑nomadic burial customs. Realistically modelled human face with closed serene eyes, defined nose, lips and well‑sculpted curled ears. Small evenly‑spaced perforations run along the mask’s edge, intended for stitching onto burial shroud textiles. The inner cavity shows ancient bronze corrosion and verdigris deposits. Partial surviving gilding creates a warm aged metallic surface. Such masks were used in elite Liao‑period burials, representing distinctive northern nomadic burial ritual art.

图片