Vacheron Constantin Third Set of Mask Series

　　Over the three-year period from 2007 to 2009,Vacheron Constantinplanned to launch 4 mask watches each year, with the mask on each timepiece representing the cultural characteristics of one of the four continents: Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania.

　　The Americas – Mexico

　　Mask Pendant

　　Guerrero State

　　Mezcala Culture (300 – 100 BC)

　　Basalt

　　Height: 12.8 cm

　　Reference: 505-26

　　This mask pendant blends multiple cultural influences in a unique style, showcasing all the exceptional skill of the artist. Its prominent yet austere silhouette encompasses both abstract and naturalistic features. The upper portion of the face and the diagonal lines of the cheeks are treated with a pop-art-inspired minimalist aesthetic; conversely, the hook-shaped nose and downturned mouth appear rather more realistic. This mask belongs to the Mezcala culture. In ancient times, according to custom, the dead were buried beneath the mud floors of their dwellings. Following an ancient ritual to pay tribute to the deceased, graves would be filled with small neutral anthropomorphic stone figures, heads, and plaques adorned with faces, masks, and animal portraits.

　　Asia – China

　　Tibetan Mask

　　Tibet Region, Tibetan Buddhism. 16th to 17th century

　　Partially copper-plated, pigments

　　Height: 22.2 cm

　　Reference: 2504-168

　　This semi-hollow mask seems to exude an air of mystery and even a profound sense of the sacred. Yet its remarkably natural nose also reminds us that this cold exterior has a human side. This sacred feeling stems from the curious mandala, which appears like a gemstone placed on the mask's forehead, encircling a painted eye. A beautifully designed gilded arabesque band frames the blank space. Tibetan masks of this type were typically worn by certain monks of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) order of Tibetan Buddhism. The masks were used in dances associated with the Kālacakra tradition.

　　Oceania – Indonesia

　　Mask

　　Lombok Island, Sasak people

　　Hardwood with traces of white pigment

　　Height: 21.5 cm

　　Former collection: Mathias Komor

　　Reference number: 3320-A

　　This mask exudes a captivating aura, blending realistic and geometric abstract qualities, with its large eyes being the most striking feature. It clearly depicts an old man with sunken cheeks, dark circles under the brows, deep wrinkles on the forehead, and pronounced lines between the nose and lips. These wrinkles not only bring the face to life but also vividly express character: raised eyebrows and a half-open mouth convey an expression of surprise. This old man is a common character in traditional Balinese mask dance drama. The masked actors do not speak, as they must bite a leather strap between their teeth to secure the mask. Therefore, the hero's adventures and plot points are primarily narrated by storytellers and singers in the performance.

　　Africa – Gabon

　　Ngontang mask

　　Western Gabon, Fang people

　　Softwood surface coated with white kaolin clay (crystallised speckles)

　　Height: 31 cm

　　Reference number: 1019-76

　　The melancholic expression and rounded mouth shape of this white mask evoke a sense of solemnity while showcasing the sculptor's extraordinary sensitivity. The surface is coated in white kaolin—a colour unique to the Fang people, which, like many other African tribes, represents the spirits of the deceased. The facial expressiveness stems from vertical lines reminiscent of the nose and scarification marks running from chin to forehead, branching out from two sharp, arched brows. This mask was used in dances associated with ancient Byeri religious cult rituals. Although its use carried no major religious significance, dancers were required to respect specific ritualistic gestures and taboos. These dances were performed to protect the village from witchcraft and evil spirits.