Asian Temple Hand Carved Architectural Salvaged Relief Panel Element

Description

A magnificent, rare, one of a kind, ancient Asian temple stone architectural panel, likely frieze fragment. Born in Asia, pre-18th … more A magnificent, rare, one of a kind, ancient Asian temple stone architectural panel, likely frieze fragment. Born in Asia, pre-18th century, most likely much earlier, the hand carved stone sculpture displays superbly.

This very old architectural element features exceptionally executed high relief work, ornately sculpted, intricately detailed hand carvings, having a pair of figural horses at center, each well defined and wonderfully posed to display movement; to the right a religious monastery/ stupa; over two upside down lotus flowers, likely symbolizing a death, to the left the second-holiest tree of Buddhism, the Anandabodhi Tree (Ananda Bodh Tree - Ficus religiosa - Sacred fig) with stylized roots, branches and leaves, above the tree impressive openwork creates another layer of dimension; behind the horse on the right there are markings that possibly indicate a cave or cave temple. The sculptural decorative temple wall plaque has remnants remaining of volute ornamentation running across top.

Provenance:
Personal property of Genshiro Kawamoto. A Japanese real estate tycoon billionaire and avid decorative arts collector who owned a large number of apartment complexes, commercial buildings, skyscrapers, and numerous multi-million dollar homes in Hawaii, some of which he left vacant and in disrepair, others he planned on converting multiple into museums to house and display some of his extensive collection of fine antiques and important artifacts. Kawamoto was building one of the most expensive homes ever built in Hawaii and planned on including decorative art pieces such as this fragment in the construction. Prior to completion Kawamotot was arrested for tax evasion, found guilty, subsequently deported back to Japan to serve his prison sentence. Workung with the American government, the Japanese government seized his assets, including millions of dollars of decorative arts, later auctioning them to the public.

Acquisition:
Maui, HI. 02/2020, Lynx Hollow Antiques acquired this piece from an important and arguably best known antiques dealer in the Hawaiian Islands. He worked directly with Kawamoto for years and later purchased many pieces at the seized asset auctions on both Maui and O'ahu.

Measures: (approx)
10.5" Wide, 5.5" High, 3" Deep .

A most impressive work, with superior craftsmanship, the architectural salvaged decorative building element is interesting, highly attractive, and museum quality. Not only would this be the highlight of most collections, but it serves as a elegant decorative object, whimsical design, and sophisticated conversation piece. less