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Dark Crystal treasures up for auction

Courtesy of The Jim Henson Company
December 1, 1999

Original Mystic Maquette by Brian Froud

The Mystics- gentle, wise, meditative creatures, are the fruit of the fertile imaginations of puppetry master Jim Henson and fantasy artist Brian Froud. Created for the 1982 film The Dark Crystal, they provide guidance to Jen the Gelfling, hero of the film. Beings of pure good, they provide a strong contrast to the evil Skeksis, who do their best to destroy the last Gelflings. The many-armed Mystics are deeply spiritual and live in harmony with the other inhabitants of their world. Their deep chanting provides a solemn soundtrack to the magical elements of the film.

This Maquette of a Mystic’s head was sculpted personally by Brian Froud as the original concept design for the production of The Dark Crystal in 1978. It is an exceptional example of fantasy art, drawn from a fully realized fictional world. There is a high level of detail, particularly in the raised, patterned "skin". This item is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity on Dark Crystal stationery taken from The Jim Henson Company archives. It is signed by Brian Froud and Brian Henson, President and CEO of The Jim Henson Company, and the maquette is signed at the base by Brian Froud. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a rare, authenticated Jim Henson Company concept item.

Autographed copy of "The World of the Dark Crystal" (Hardcover)

This extraordinary book is one of the definitive works on the film The Dark Crystal. Out of print for many years, this book is much sought after by collectors. It includes extensive artwork of the characters from the film, and is signed by renowned British fantasy artist Brian Froud. This work provides a thorough background on the richly developed world of The Dark Crystal, and includes production sketches and background story for the film not found anywhere else.

The Dark Crystal VHS

Once out of print for many years, the classic fantasy film The Dark Crystal has recently been re-released on video and DVD for a new generation to enjoy. You can relive the adventure with a VHS copy of the film.

This group of items is expected to sell in the $10,000-$15,000 range.

The auction is called "An Evening in Lhasa." Tickets are required, and can be purchased from Tibet House. Catalogues can be requested from Tibet House.

It will be held on: Tuesday, December 7, 1999

At Sotheby’s New York
1334 York Avenue
NY, NY 10021

The auction is to benefit Tibet House New York, which works to promote the Tibetan culture, religion, and history. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the patron of Tibet House.

If you are interested in bidding on this item but are unable to attend the auction, please inquire about proxy bidding by sending your contact information to webmaster@henson.com with the subject line "Tibet House Auction."

Tibet House

www.tibethouse.org

22 West 15^th Street
New York, NY 10011
Tel 212 807 0563
Fax 212 807 0565

Note: Please do not contact Sotheby’s- they are donating the space to Tibet House but are not running the auction.