The June 24, 2000, Gerald Burg & Dr. Kardatzke Collections, Sale 6
Thangkas are painstakingly hand painted religious "scroll-paintings," traditionally executed on fabric, depicting Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and other deities. They adhere to strict iconographic traditions, are formal, vividly colored and richly patterned, and possess a striking intricacy of detail. Despite their decorativeness, Thangkas are works of art used in Buddhist culture as an aid to meditation and contemplation.
Lot 1 
Antique Tibetan Thangka. "Untitled."
Handpainted on fabric, beautifully framed to an overall size of 19.5 x 28.5"
Circa 1700- 1800s. A wonderfully ornate painting featuring numerous patterned
wheels within which the Buddha reposes. Rendered in crimson, gold, indigo, dark
green, brown, cobalt, etc. Some minimal creasing, otherwise clean. Very
Good.
Estimated Value $300-400.
This painting was acquired by
the consignor in Thailand. It had been smuggled out of Tibet in the early
1970s by Tibetans escaping Chinese persecution.
Lot 2 
Antique Tibetan Thangka. "Untitled."
Handpainted on fabric, beautifully framed to an overall size of 19 x 28." Circa
1700-1800s. A wonderful painting featuring numerous deities and fanciful
creatures. This piece is quite striking in its use of color. The yellow circle
featured in the center is offset by magnificent purple, lime green, reds and
blues. Fine.
Estimated Value $300-400.
This painting was
acquired by the consignor in Thailand. It had been smuggled out of Tibet in
the early 1970s by Tibetans escaping Chinese persecution.
Lot 3 
Antique Tibetan Thangka. "Untitled."
Handpainted on fabric, beautifully framed to an overall size of 23 x 30." Circa
1700- 1800s. A wonderful painting featuring numerous deities and fantastic
figures. The tone of this piece is somewhat dark with the colors used being
primarily dark violet, pink, blue, and a sparing usage of yellow, white and
orange. Piece is rather worn. Fine.
Estimated Value $300-400.
This painting was acquired by the consignor in Thailand. It had been
smuggled out of Tibet in the early 1970s by Tibetans escaping Chinese
persecution.
Lot 4
Egyptian Antiquity Group. This lot consists of
a small green glazed Ushabiti, (Height: 58 mm); Two scarabs (one
hardstone, one faience); One faience cylinder seal. Length: 28 mm) .
Condition ranges from Good to Fine. Total of 5 items, each fully described.
Estimated Value $100-150.
Purchased from Amphora as a group in Jan.
1979.
Lot 5 
Egyptian Faience Ushabti. Late Dynastic
Period, circa 1085-525 BC. Pale green faience of a priest with 8 registers of
hieroglyphics from "The Book of the Dead." Height 7" . Excellent
condition, free from restoration. On a custom clear plastic stand.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
Lot 6 
Egyptian Limestone Canopic Jar. A solid,
unhollowed jar with the head of a baboon. Height 10".
Estimated
Value $700-1,000.
Lot 7 
Egyptian Relief Fragment 1st Intermediate Period,
2160-2040 BC. Limestone fragment of a tomb wall showing scenes of
butchering and cooking. Upper register : Man roasting a duck over an
open hearth and fanning the flames. Middle register: Bull slaughtering
scene; left, standing figure pulls collar tight saying "You should take out its
heart." Right, kneeling figure replies: "You have to give me a way (to get at
it)." The kneeling figure continues: "I will do according to your pleasure."
Far left, standing figure, facing left and holding collar tight (part of a
second slaughter scene). Bottom register: Inscription at top reads: "You
should give me a hand so that I can throw him down." This is the caption to
another slaughter scene in this register, now lost. Left, standing figure; the
inscription behind his head reads: "See, it is cooked." Excellent condition
with considerable polychrome decoration remaining. Height 15 ½"
(37.0 cm); length 22" (53.0 cm).
Estimated Value $12,500-UP.
This fine fragment depicts the proper way of quartering the animal's
front section in providing an offering to the gods.
Lot 8 
Egyptian Terra Cotta Amulet Molds. Two
molds: A. circa 1300 BC (19th Dynasty) containing the cartouche of the
prenomen of Ramses II. B. circa Late Dynastic Period, a Uzat (the eyes
of Horus). Both pieces in very fine condition.
Estimated Value $200-300.
Cf. Budge, "The Mummy" page 90 #180.
Lot 9 
Middle Eastern Antiquities. A mixed lot
consisting of twelve objects from the Bronze Age and the 1st millennium: 4
different sized terra cotta oil lamps; 2 terrra cotta vessels (apprx. 4",
2½" in height); 1 Alexandrine small terra cotta head (approximately
2½"); 2 terra cotta stamp seals (no inscription, measuring approximately
3", 2"); 1 Egyptian small green glaze ushabti (apprx. 2¾"); 1 bronze spear
blade (approximately 8½"); and 1 bronze hair pin (approximately 6").
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 10 
Pre-Columbian Necklace. This exquisite piece
as been "Reconstructed" from artifacts indicative of different time periods
(Approximately 200- 600 A.D.) but found at one site. The beads and figurines
utilized in the piece are comprised of terra cotta, obsidian and stone. It
measures roughly 11 x 27" and is situated in a 17½ x 33½" museum
quality shadow box.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
Lot 11 
Pre-Columbian Terra Cotta Figure. Western
Mexico. Figure of a female holding a child. Height 4". Very Fine.
Estimated Value $100-150.