Hand Carved Burmese Court Performer or Nat Statue

Details

Description

This charming hand painted wooden statue exemplifies traditional Burmese craftsmanship with its dazzling mosaic elements and ornamental lacquer work. The … Read more This charming hand painted wooden statue exemplifies traditional Burmese craftsmanship with its dazzling mosaic elements and ornamental lacquer work. The glittering costume of this figure was made using the traditional Burmese artistic technique of hman-zi shwei-cha, a method that inlays pieces of carefully cut colored glass with thayo, a moldable material made mixing thitsi (a natural lacquer sap) with animal ash or rice husks. The decorative scrollwork adorning the costume was also made using thayo.

Crouched playfully as if preparing to dance, this figure may represent a Burmese court performer who would have entertained the royal family. Alternatively, the animal headdress and mischievous demeanor may suggest this figure is a Nat, an animist spirit venerated in traditional Burmese religion.

H: 31"
W: 10.5"
D: 7"

The paint on this statue is peeling in a number of places, including on the feet, hands, back, below the right eye, and on the left cheek. There is a minor split in the wood of the base.

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