Description:

Southeast Asia, Thailand, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. This is a beautiful stucco elephant and mythical rider sculpture that once adorned a palace or temple. The elephant kneels with a human figure positioned on the back - disproportionally large compared to the elephant, with one hand resting upon the animal's head. The figure's head and right arm are absent, but the holy or divine character of this figure is emphasized by the flames protruding from the shoulders and legs of the body. They are dressed in flowing robes and necklaces, and the tenon joint protruding from the elbow suggests the other arm was held up, perhaps forming a mudra gesture. The surface of the elephant and rider have remains of white pigments, a sacred color of royalty and white elephants appear in many Buddhist stories, including a dream that foretold Gautama Buddha's birth. This large piece would have been an impressive entrance statue for a special building of sacred or imperial importance. Size: 20" L x 12" W x 24.5" H (50.8 cm x 30.5 cm x 62.2 cm)

Provenance: private Los Angeles County, California, USA collection

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#168503

  • Condition: Loss to head and arm of figure as shown. Tip of right shoulder flame is reattached with visible adhesive within break line. Surface abrasions and chips, and loss to surface layer on left lower side. Mineral deposits and remains of white pigment throughout.

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January 9, 2022 9:00 AM MST
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Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000