Antique Solid Wood Carved and Polychrome Mask. Southeast Asia, Circa 1900

This awesome wooden mask is a very antique piece, completely made by hand and with a stunning decorative power. It was made in the South of Asia in the early 20th century (circa 1900) so it is more than one hundred years old. The great carving job performed for the artist who made this mask is really remarkable. This piece boasts a striking decorative and expressive power enhanced by the original polychrome work which has survived to our days in good condition and remains almost complete. The mask is an original antique, perfect to decorate any space with an authentic exotic touch. The piece is carved on an only solid wooden block, deeply hollowed so it can be fitted in the users face. The work that was performed to hollow the hardwood is really impressive: inside we can see the marks of the adze and the carving tools. But anyway, surely the most remarkable feature of the mask is its state-of-art beauty: it depicts the face of a young man with a relaxed expression and a striking temple-shaped hat. The characters facial features are symmetrical and regular, and look very expressive and alive. The eyes are big and lively, and the rest of the features (nose, eyebrows, moustache and the curiously long ears) are also well depicted. The temple-shaped hat is quite eye-catching and is carefully carved. The whole mask is covered by a nice temple finish applied on a stucco layer, with lovely colors that still preserve a stunning intensity. This stunning Asian mask deserves to become part of a great collection of exotic antiques. Measurements: Height: 17.7 in / 45 cm. Width: 9 in /23 cm.