**Originally Listed At $4000**

This item is heavy/oversized, and may require 3rd party shipping. Please inquire about shipping cost prior to bidding**

Southeast Asia, Thailand, Rattanakosin Kingdom, ca. 19th century CE. A meticulously carved wooden sculpture of a deity, likely a thepphanom or temple guardian, standing in a tranquil pose with liberal remains of lustrous gilding as well as black and red pigments. Showcasing a slender physique, the figure stands atop straight legs and wears a floor-length robe elaborately decorated with relief lotus flowers and abstract motifs. Layered necklaces lie across the broad shoulders, which taper to an elegantly long neck. Gazing downward, the figure presents a tranquil visage with dramatically arched brows, a flattened nose, and slender lips held in a warm smile. Curved ears with flared adornments flank the ovoid head, which is surmounted by a conical tiara comprised of tightly-packed nodules, while a long cape covers the verso. Size: 9.8" W x 38.5" H (24.9 cm x 97.8 cm); 46.5" H (118.1 cm) on included custom stand.

The Thepphanom came to earth when Buddha reached enlightenment, to serve as his protectors and later as guardians to temple and sacred texts, and their forms are based on Apsaras and Gandharvas - the devas who inhabit higher realms.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, 1995 to 2010; ex-M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, acquired from 1960 to 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#172803

Losses to feet, top of headdress, and forearms, as well as along stable fissures. Chips, nicks, and abrasions throughout, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, nicely preserved detail and liberal remains of gilding and pigments.