Antique Burmese Carved Gilt Wood Glass Jeweled Manussiha Buddhist Figure Sculpture - a Pair

Description

A whimsical near pair of antique Burmese Mandalay crowned and jeweled parcel gilt wooden mythical Manuthiha figures.

Hand-carved in Burma … more A whimsical near pair of antique Burmese Mandalay crowned and jeweled parcel gilt wooden mythical Manuthiha figures.

Hand-carved in Burma (present day Myanmar) in the late 19th / early 20th century, the exceptional Buddhist carvings feature lacquered and gilded solid wood adorned with inset colored glass jewel mosaic pieces and applied metal ornaments, depicting the half-man double lion-body winged deity, rising on integral platform base designed to conform to an architectural angle.

The Manuthiha is a Burmese half-man half-lion mythical creature believed to be created by Buddhist missionary monks to protect a new-born royal baby from being devoured by rakshasis (ogresses) from the sea. Its statues are usually found guarding the four corners of a pagoda. It has a human head and torso and lion hindquarters. Thus, it can be called a Burmese sphinx. Notably, Manussiha is the symbol in the seal of Shwedagon Pagoda and the patch badge of Shwe Dagon Pagoda Security.

Dimensions: (approx)
Largest: 13" Tall, 9" Wide, 6" Deep


Overall in very good original antique condition, both examples present well, similarly styled / near pair / not identical. Attractive appearance with nicely aged warm rustic heavily worn patina over the whole. Strong, sturdy, stable, structurally sound. Scattered losses throughout. Heavily patinated original finish with expected buildup. Typical wear commensurate with age, use, handling, and exposure. As photographed. less