Thai White Brass Garuda Statue Rattanakosin Period / Yaowarat Antique Shop

฿ 10,800.00

This extraordinary, highly three-dimensional image of the Garuda, a large hybrid half-man and half-bird creature, is the symbol of royalty in Thailand. It is one of the finest examples of Ratanakosin sculpture work of its type that we have seen. It is large, dynamic, and extremely well modeled. It was also meant to be viewed from all angles, being well-modeled front and back. The Garuda wears a crown, spreads his wings or arms, and displays all of his feathers.

The detailing is exceptional – the overall dynamism of the figure, the astonishing claws, and even the deity’s wings and robe details mark this out as an impressive sculpture!

This traditional appearance piece is sure to add serenity and elegance to your home, office, or sacred space with an endlessly timeless style.

Size : 35 x 7 x 29 cm

Weight : approx 12 kg

Material : White brass

Condition : This vintage item has no defects, but it may show the imperfections that correlate with age and use.

Yaowarat Antique Shop is located in Yaowarat Street known as the old town of Bangkok. Opened for over 30 years, the shop has filled with thousand pieces of unique oriented antiques. For those who love Thai antiques, once you come to Bangkok, it’s a must to visit this place!

 

 

 

1 in stock

SKU: SPTH2204C2B002-011 Category: Tag:
 

Description

About the product

This extraordinary, highly three-dimensional image of the Garuda, a large hybrid half-man and half-bird creature, is the symbol of royalty in Thailand. It is one of the finest examples of Ratanakosin sculpture work of its type that we have seen. It is large, dynamic, and extremely well modeled. It was also meant to be viewed from all angles, being well-modeled front and back. The Garuda wears a crown, spreads his wings or arms, and displays all of his feathers.

The detailing is exceptional – the overall dynamism of the figure, the astonishing claws, and even the deity’s wings and robe details mark this out as an impressive sculpture!

This traditional appearance piece is sure to add serenity and elegance to your home, office, or sacred space with an endlessly timeless style.

What is Garuda?

Garuda is a bird creature from Hindu mythology that has a mix of eagle and human features. He is the vehicle (vahana) of Vishnu and appears on the god’s banner. Garuda represents birth and heaven, and is the enemy of all snakes. In Indian art, Garuda gradually acquired more human form over the centuries and so maintained only his wings. Garuda is a national symbol of India, Indonesia and Thailand.

The mythological bird creature Garuda traditionally has the torso and arms of a man and the wings, head, beak and talons of an eagle or vulture. His body is gold in colour, his wings are red and his face is white. Garuda is also known as the ‘king of the birds’ 

Garuda and Nagas : Two forever enemies!

In Asian stories, the giant, birdlike Garuda constantly attacks snakelike Nagas. But this is no simple tale of good versus evil. The duo are identified with many pairs of opposites, including light and dark, the Sun and Moon, upper and lower, air and water, and Buddhism and other religions.

According to Hindu and Buddhist stories, the giant, birdlike Garuda spends eternity killing snakelike Nagas. The feud started when both Garuda’s mother and the Nagas’ mother married the same husband. The husband then gave each wife one wish. The Nagas’ mother asked for a thousand children. Garuda’s mother wished for just two children who were superior to all of the Nagas. Their rivalry continued until Garuda’s mother lost a bet and became the servant and prisoner of the Nagas’ mother. Garuda was able to free his mother by stealing the nectar of immortality from the gods. But he swore vengeance for his mother’s treatment and has been fighting Nagas ever since…

From Indian myths to Thai mythical creatures!

The use of the Garuda in Thai art has its origins in India and relates to the region’s pre-Buddhist Hindi past. The mythical Garuda is Vishnu’s mount or vahana and was believed to be strong and fierce. And so in Siam (Thailand), the Garuda came to be adopted as a symbol of royalty. (Vishnu is known in Thailand as Narayana. The current royal dynasty is the Chakri Dynasty derived from the term chakra or discus which is one of the attributes of Vishnu.)

Rattanakosin Period and Thai Art Style.

The Ratanakosin or Bangkok style of sculpture evolved after Siam’s capital was moved to Bangkok in 1782. Buddha images became more elaborate and were cast dressed in royal attire and elaborately bejewelled. Later Bangkok period sculpture saw images becoming more realistic in their rending, largely the result of the influence of King Rama V (r. 1851-1868) whose interest in science and rationalism lead to more naturalistic renderings.

The figure has been fitted with a (non-obtrusive) rod from beneath so that it can be attached to a high-quality, custom-made stand. The figure is in excellent condition with the usual wear to the gilding providing evidence of age and use.

Yaowarat Antique : The Antique shop

“Yaowarat Antique” located in Yaowarat Street known as the old town of Bangkok has been open for over 30 years. Started by the family of “Danvirunhavanich”. By having a passion for collecting little antique items such as old stamps, and antique toys into Benjarong or Porcelain plates. Then Mr.Danvirunhavanich began to open his own antique shop which at first named “Chiva sart” meaning “The lesson of life”. After the retirement of Mr.Danvirunhavanich, “Tee” known as “Tee Yaowarat” : son of Mr.Danvirunhavanich has taken over to take care of this antique shop. Yaowarat Antique Shop is a popular-oriented antique store among Bangkokian people. Many of their antiques have a unique southeast Asian and Thai style. For those who love Asian antiques, once you come to Bangkok, it’s a must to visit this place!

Additional information

Weight 12 kg
Dimensions 7 × 35 × 29 cm

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