Q:  I have just purchased this mask because I like it.  It cost me £50. Have you any ideas about age and origin.  Kevin, 694 A:  Your Javanese bird mask has a pleasant, old, used look to it. Similar bird masks are also made in Bali.

Q:  Hi, my mother recently acquired this mask when a relative passed away, and I was really curious as to what the mask was depicting and how it may have been used. She thinks it is from Bali, but I have no idea. Thank you for your time!  Zack, 683 A:  Your mother is right. It is a beat up Rangda mask that might actually be an antique.

Q:  Bought this mask at an estate not sure what I want to do with it probably to be honest sell it.   Lile, 678 A:  This is Rangda, the most popular character mask from the classic Balinese dance dramas. People find them colorful and exotic. It is an inexpensive one that has been carved and painted quickly and can be purchased for very little money. If you search you can find photos of much finer examples, but they will cost more. A well made Rangda that has been used by a professional dancer for a long time would cost even more. Actually, B, C and D all apply to this…

 Q:  I have been traveling for 12 years and collected a few masks on the way. Only recently I have looked into my boxes with my stored collection and found this nondescript mask, which I can’t for the sake of it remember where I bought. Maybe you can help me?  Bo, 673 A: This is an unpainted decorative wood carving from Bali done in a combination of styles.

Q:  This mask was found on a flee market in Amsterdam. It measures 17 to 15 cm and is of bright light wood. However, the back is darkened considerably, I don’t know whether by wearing or by paint. It shows heavy use, does not smell and has some old blackened worm holes. A part of it and the nose fell off several times and was glued back again. There is some repainting on the face. Those eyes glow considerably in the half dark. I guess it’s a Topeng character, but I do not know which one. What do you think? How old could it be? And how could it be…

Q:  My wife and i have been collecting masks and hand carved art mostly from asia for about 20 years. We started when stationed in singapore and found some neat stuff in malaysia, and search out artists/masters when we travel. Found your web site while looking at some balinese mask photos, and i thought i recognized work. If/when you come across some pieces with ‘character’ and/or high quality, i would welcome chance to be on your mailing list. Would be happy to share photos of some of our collection if interested. We are not looking to sell, but have not found many other collectors who recognize quality the way you…

Q: I have a carved wooden noh mask and I can’t seem to find one quite like it. Some help concerning the age, authenticity and possibly value would be greatly appreciated.The mask seems like it has a little age but doesn’t seem used. The strips of animal skin with hair for the eyebrows and mustache seem older and dry, and the tacks holding them in are a bit rusty. The mask is about 5-3/4 inches wide and 7-1/2 tall.  Tyler, 618 A: Japan is a country where they take masquerade very seriously and so is Bali (part of Indonesia).

I’m working on a large reference book that will probably be called “Masks of the World.” (If you can think of a better idea for the title, please let me know.) Having just finished the Bali/Java section I though I’d share this one with you. Character Mask Java 7.5 inches, wood Mask collecting always has some surprises. Look at this wonderful little mask with its carvings on the crest, that very unusual mouth, and the way those simple parallel lines are used. It’s a shame we can’t identify the carver.  

Q: Bob, what are your thoughts on this little guy? I am surprised not to see fasteners, or some sort of unpainted seam at the back end of this for some hood for the dancer… that said, the details, such as the well carved eyes and fangs make me strongly assume this is authentic ethnographic and not tourist. Do they make a variant of these that are intended to be smaller/lighter, and not had the dancer (i.e. perhaps one that is more interactive with the audience?) This one is 8 inches long (11 including handles), 7 inches wide, 7.5 inches tall. A: I have seen some that are about this…

Q: Bob, thoughts on this one?  Nate, 571 A: Rough looking masks like this often turn up in rural areas of Java. It has probably been repainted several times. The last time very quickly. Could have been inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat. Just joking– I find the mask very attractive. I wonder how many other collectors do?