Southeast Asia, Thailand, Si Satchanalai, ca. 15th to 16th century CE. A gorgeous pair of Sawankhalok stoneware roof finials in the form of a mythical makara, a dragon like being. The rearing front half of these creatures are hollow molded and incised with details, then painted with a brown glaze over a white slip. The scaly beasts are stylistically similar, but not identical. They are both serpentine, with a scrolling mane down their spines, feathery whiskers, horns, and a decorative necklace with a rosette at the center. Interestingly the squatter makara is emerging from the mouth a toothy monster! The dramatic visages and details are all emphasized to be more visible to viewers on the ground. The makaras rest on a flat base with an opening where the torso ends, for securing these sculptures to a roof beam. The special assembly halls were generally constructed of wood with glazed terracotta or stoneware architectural elements, such as this pair, adorning and protecting the building. Size of larger one: 6" L x 7" W x 22" H (15.2 cm x 17.8 cm x 55.9 cm)

For a similar example please see the Brooklyn Museum, accession number: 81.278.1.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: ex-Ashland University Museum, Ashland, Ohio, USA, donated to Ashland University between July 1994 to December 1998

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#166032

Not a matched pair. Larger makara: losses and chips to high pointed areas. Horns, eyebrow, and whiskers are missing on right side. Horn on snout is reattached with visible break lines. TL hole on base and inside of mouth. Other makara: old inactive mud wasp nests inside cavity and on exterior. Chips to high pointed areas. TL hole inside mouth and base. Excellent details and glazing on both!