Teak hangers for decorative textiles or drapes are carved with figures of Dewi Sri, Hindu goddess of agrarian fertility, a revered icon on the Indonesian island of Java. The painted faces are in the style of the old Majapahit Empire that flourished in East Java during the 13th to 15th centuries. These hangers are from the early 19th century. Throughout Java, Dewi Sri takes on a variety of appearances, sometimes dressed as royalty, sometimes in local costume, in wood, ceramic and bone figures, a... Click for details
A slender Buddha figure from mid-20th century Burma stands on a double lotus throne with right hand in varada mudra, gesture of charity and compassion. The tall crown, ornate side flanges, chest ornament and epaulets are in the style of the old Arakan Kingdom that became part of Burma in 1752 AD. This relatively small (14" tall) carved teak image was made by the Shan, a minority people residing primarily in Burma and Thailand. Shan communities have continued to produce crowned figures with Araka... Click for details
The monks Sariputta and Mogallana have been revered in Burmese Buddhist art as the two chief disciples of Buddha for more than 800 years, as evidenced by their images on 12th century plaques excavated at Pagan. Until the late 18th century they were most often integrated into carvings and bronzes of the Buddha. After artisans started carving and casting each of the figures separately, the pose of each monk evolved into the traditional poses seen on these black lacquered carvings, and now vary onl... Click for details
An elephant-like mythical animal believed to offer protection to a house and its inhabitants is carved of teak wood and sealed with black lacquer. From the Shan minority people in northeast Burma, the carving has a sliding lid over a large open area that was used to store medicine. The animal is a fanciful composite creature from the carver’s imagination. The trunk is raised over a distinctly non-elephant-like open mouth with sharp teeth. The ears are flowers that extend upwards from above the ... Click for details
Monks Sariputta and Mogallana, two chief disciples of Buddha, are carved in heavy Burmese teakwood. Important to the Buddhist iconography of Burma, the two are said to have been Brahmin ascetics who were among the earliest followers of the Buddha. The figures have a long history in Burmese art, appearing beside Buddha on 12th century plaques excavated at Pagan and down through the centuries in bronzes, paintings and carvings, always accompanying Buddha. Around the late 18th century, artisans beg... Click for details
The two chief disciples of the Buddha, Moggallana and Sariputta, sometime are depicted beside the Buddha.
Moggallana, who is known for his supernatural powers, always appears on the left side while Sariputta, who is famous for his profound wisdom, is always on the right side of the Buddha. Moggallana, seated with both hands in adoration posture. Sariputta, seated with his hands placed on his legs.
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The two chief disciples of the Buddha, Moggallana and Sariputta, sometime are depicted beside the Buddha.
Moggallana, who is known for his supernatural powers, always appears on the left side while Sariputta, who is famous for his profound wisdom, is always on the right side of the Buddha. Moggallana, seated with both hands in adoration posture. Sariputta, seated with his hands placed on his legs.
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seated with both hands in adoration posture, with serene look, slightly arched eyebrows, broad nose, rimmed lips, decorated with gold color on red lacquer, decorated with small colorful glass pieces.
Age: Burma, Mandalay period, circa 19th century
Measurement: Width 20 C.M. / Height 21.3 C.M.
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seated with both hands in adoration posture, with serene look, slightly arched eyebrows, broad nose, rimmed lips, decorated with gold color on red lacquer, decorated with small colorful glass pieces.
Age: Burma, Mandalay period, circa 19th century
Measurement: Width 20.3 C.M. / Height 22 C.M.
... Click for details
A sinuous carved teakwood naga, nearly three feet in length, carries a half bird, half man kinnari braced in front of its long curved naga neck like a ship's figurehead. This late 19th century folk carving, resplendent with symbolism, once graced the front of a Burmese bullock cart. A primary means of family transportation in old Burma, wood bullock carts were customized with carved iconic figures meant to ensure the well being of family members. This naga carries figures representing the family... Click for details
