Country Group: The Himalayas (Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia and Other)

Item id: 6756

Temple-size antique paper mache bull made for a Mongolian Buddhist altar. Purchased out of Mongolia in the 1990's shortly after they opened to the west. Outstanding condition--remarkably, absolutely complete, and original. Rare object, especially given the fragile nature of the material. Remarkable that it has survived so long in this condition, as even many of the antique copper and bronze statues and other ritual objects from Mongolia show signs of either Soviet invasion or harsh nomadic lifestyle. Looks to be 19thC, though I have no idea how to date. Measures 10 7/8 inches tall, a full 18 inches long, and 6 inches wide. Possible old repair to one horn and possible other early repairs that are not apparent, as this is often the case with large antique paper mache pieces. Please examine photos, as it is being sold "as is". Will be double boxed in oversize boxes. I've seen two others over the past thirty years; one was nearly as nice as this one. I doubt there are many out there anywhere that are better. Not inexpensive.