We have always considered and collected these commercial masks and helmets as industries tribal art. Examples can be elegant in their simplicity or bazaar and complex. They are always unique, suprising and filled with personality.
Amazing Full Size Jade Burial Suit
This is a full size jade burial suit. It was created from 1000s of small tiles made from real jade. Each piece has four holes and is tied together with wire. Some of the areas have elaborate carving in the jade. These suits have not been in use for almost to 2000 years and originals can be found on display in museums. This Han style jade (or hardstone) suit is a reproduction meticulous recreation of the ancient examples now found in museums. It was probably manufactured in the later 20th century after the discovery of several important burial sites in China and subsequent museum exhibitions both in Washington DC. back in the late 70's and more recently at the Fitzwilliam museum in Cambridge England. This example is old but not ancient. The copper wire originally used was old enough to start failing and stronger wire was used to restore and hold large areas together. The panels are also edged with old red silk. The suit is complete with a only a handful of cracked tiles that are still in place. I can't even guess this objects age… 50|100|200 years? I've never seen another up close. I would think that this was put together as a historic display. The amount of work that went into this is monumental. Museums display the suit on its back. This example also comes with an elaborate welded steel frame so it can be displayed standing. I have had this in my collection over 20 years. 67 in.Hx45 in.Wx14 in.D $6,400
