CHINA, Folk art, - Lot 369

CHINA, Folk art, Ten polychrome wooden masks, representing protective deities including "Erlang Shen". H. 26 to 28.5 cm (Worn, missing, cracks) Note: This collection of over 150 wooden masks, formerly polychrome, from various provinces provinces, possibly Guizhou, Yunnan, Jiangxi or Sichuan, is distinguished by its great diversity, linked to their ritual, protective, theatrical and popular functions. popular functions. The main characteristic of these masks is their expressive, sometimes grotesque sometimes grotesque, with bulging eyes, visible teeth and demonic and demonic attributes such as horns. The use of bright colors such as red, black and green completes and accentuates this expressive aspect. Each one embodies different types of figures, including protective deities, zoomorphic figures and grimacing figures, contrary to certain Japanese traditions, even the scary figures here take on a protective role. take on a protective role. Made from local wood, some show signs of wear and tear on the reverse side. ritual use, notably during ceremonies intended to chase away spirits. Today, they are kept in families, in certain specialized museums, these masks are considered to be true collector's items.