Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Southeast Asia, Thailand, Rattanakosin Kingdom, ca. 19th century CE. A fabulous gilt brass figure of Phra Malai, a Buddhist monk who accumulated so much merit that he acquired great supernatural abilities and was able to travel to the various Buddhist hells and heavenly realms. Here he is shown standing before the gates of hell, during the moment when he meets the hungry souls who beg him to tell their living relatives to make merit on their behalf and to refrain from doing evil deeds. Draped in an ornate samghati, the monk carries an alms bowl over his right shoulder as he stands on a lotus base before a plate of severed heads and various emaciated figures and animals. The denizens of hell writhe in pain as they crawl up Phra Malai's pedestal; one at the front seems to pray with hands together as a creature gnaws at his legs, another lies before the plinth appearing to be devoured by a giant worm. The monk is in contrast quite serene and glowing with lustrous gilding. Size: 5.1" L x 4" W x 11.2" H (13 cm x 10.2 cm x 28.4 cm)

The legend of Phra Malai was quite popular during the Rattanakosin period. The story focuses on two themes: the rewards of pious donations and the punishments in hell of those who have committed sins. This example is a particularly well-executed piece illustrating this legend.

A similar example can be found at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco under object number 2008.80.a-.b.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired 2000 to 2010

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#178131

  • Condition: Surface wear as shown with some weathering and softening of finer details. Otherwise, intact and excellent with liberal remains of gilding and heavy encrustations to interior.

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April 6, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
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$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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