Southeast Asian Temple Pillar Strut Architectural Carved Painted Wooden Elephant Bracket

Details

Description

A rare and most interesting pair of two antique Southeast Asian Temple pillar struts / architectural elements.

The hand carved … Read more A rare and most interesting pair of two antique Southeast Asian Temple pillar struts / architectural elements.

The hand carved and painted wood figural decorative building elements depicting mythical creature, possibly Yali, resembling an elephant standing on hind legs with their trunks overhead, hands grasping flaming acanthus, beautifully aged worn weathered patina over the whole, raised on later modern integral black painted iron base.

- Dimensions: (approx)
37.25" Tall, 8" Wide, 17" Deep (each)

- History:
Important to both Buddhism and Hinduism, elephants are considered sacred and play an important role in the Buddhist and Hindu culture, as well as the folk religions, of South and Southeast Asia.

According to Buddhist legends, the mother of the historical Buddha only became pregnant with him after seeing a white elephant in a dream; Buddha is also said to have been saved later by an elephant that was supposed to crush him.

In Hinduism, the elephant-headed god Ganesha exists as an embodiment of wisdom, scholarship and prosperity, while the sacred white elephant Airavata is considered the ancestor of all elephants and plays a prominent role as the mount of the god Indra.

There are also other myths in Hinduism and folklore in which elephants play an important role. As a result, South and Southeast Asian temples are often decorated with elephant sculptures,

- Condition:
Superb museum quality examples, in overall great original unrestored antique condition.

Presents well, with authentic faded worn weathered patina. Attractive whitewashed like appearance with remnants of polychrome pigments. Wear commensurate with age, use, handling and exposure, including scattered nicks, chips and losses. Overall strong, sturdy, stable, structurally sound.

The contemporary display stand base is perfect for displaying as fascinating floor or tabletop sculptures / statues. A wonderful way to elevate any space, this most distinctive salvaged figural building elements are sure to add a touch of whimsical elegance, sophistication, rustic warmth, rich historical depth and cultural interest!

Keywords:
South Asia Asian antique architectural salvage salvaged religious building element fragment horse Buddha foo dog guardian lion mask animal figure figural sculptural object icon religious folk art monastery temple church altar shrine corbels roof bracket entry statement piece ancient authentic original period example Thai Ayutthaya Bali Balinese northern India Indian Indonesian See less