Small Burmese Altar in Wood

Details

Description

This carved wooden burmese altar dates from the end of the konbaung period (19th century) and reflects a striking stylistic … Read more This carved wooden burmese altar dates from the end of the konbaung period (19th century) and reflects a striking stylistic fusion between traditional burmese art and british colonial influences. The claw feet resting on so-called “claw-and-balls”, a motif emanating from the british chippendale style, demonstrate this western influence while retaining a deeply burmese structure and ornamentation.
the richly carved sides are decorated with frangipani flowers, makaras (protective mythological creature) and hamsas (sacred birds) symbolizing purity and spiritual transcendence. The back of the altar, finished as soberly as possible, attests to its ritual use: being placed against a wall, thus concentrating all the decorative richness on the visible parts of the altar.
this piece of furniture is a fascinating example of the evolution of burmese art under colonial influence, while retaining a strong cultural and spiritual identity.
some areas still contain some traces of red pigments (monks' robes, courage, devotion, transformation) and yellow (purity, light, illumination, awakening)
very good general condition with normal signs of wear due to age and use.
provenance: claude de marteau collection
sold with certificate of provenance.
l 100 cm x d 33 cm x h 29 cm. See less