19th Century Burmese Jewel Inlaid Bronze Temple Guardian

Description

A scarce, high-quality antique Burmese jewel inlaid solid bronze chinthe sculpture.

Dating to the late 19th century, likely originating in … more A scarce, high-quality antique Burmese jewel inlaid solid bronze chinthe sculpture.

Dating to the late 19th century, likely originating in the Mandalay region of central Burma, the fearsome looking beast depicted in traditional Burmese iconography and important architecture, especially as a pair, the protective temple guardians placed flanking the entrances of Buddhist religious pagodas and monasteries.
Burma; circa 1880

PROVENANCE:
The estate of Mr. Wesley and Mrs. Suzanne LaFever, Beverly Hills, California.

ACQUISITION:
We acquired this outstanding example from the reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, Austin, Texas. Fine Estates and Antiques catalog, December 2021

DESCRIPTION:
Exquisitely sculpted and cast of heavy, patinated solid bronze, finely detailed and decorated throughout, intricately engraved with scrolling ornamentation and fine detailing work, old nicely aged polished finish developing a warm, mellow patina with highly desirable scattered verdigris, minor inlay losses add to the charming antique character.

Stoic in stance, posed at attention proudly squatting back on its haunches, front legs straight, possibly roaring with head up and straight ahead, mouth ajar with teeth and long tongue exposed, ornate armor plating and horned mane, fanciful stylized tail, inset with Myanmar style brilliant colored mirrored glass jewels.

BRIEF HISTORY / BACKGROUND:
Predating the use of coins for money, brass weights cast in the shape of iconic animals like the Chinthe were commonly used to measure standard quantities of staple items.

Chinthe, the Burmese word for lion, while leograph of Chinthe is an artistic highly stylized lion; the rare Southeast Asian Burmese equivalent to Foo Dogs, Japanese Komainu, Tibetan Snow Lion, and similar to the legendary Chimera creatures known as the Chinese Qilin and Korean Kirin in ancient mythology folklore.

Dimensions (approx):
4.75”w, 3.25”d, 6.5”h less