19thC Gilded Buddhist Temple Wood Carving, Burma, ABA22
In Burmese Buddhist mythology, the figure depicted in this rare Burmese temple carving is known as a Kinnara; a paradigmatic lover; celestial musician, half-human and half-bird. The mythical bird features a human head, arms and torso together with a bird’s wings, legs and tail. It is one of the most striking symbols in Burmese culture and is found almost everywhere in Burma including temples and royal palaces.
This Kinnara is late 19th century and was originally part of a larger structure. It is carved from teakwood and is covered in genuine 24K gold leaf and inlaid with stained glass.
In Southeast Asian mythology, Kinnaras, the male counterpart of Kinnaris, are depicted as a half-bird, half-man creature and is thought to be one of the many creatures that inhabit the mythical Himavanta forests. Both Kinnaras and Kinnaris are renowned for their dance, song and poetry, and are a traditional symbol of beauty, grace and good fortune.
This piece was bought from outside the teakwood monastery, featured in the last photograph. It is situated about 1km north of the town, Nyaungshwe, near Inle Lake in Burma. The 19th century monastery, called Shwe Yaunghwe Kyaung, features a venerable wooden thein (ordination hall) with unique oval windows.
Dimensions
Height: 45cm, 18 in
Width: 13cm, 5 in
Materials: teak, gold leaf, stained glass
Price: US$695
Read more about our Buddhist Art Collection
Read more about Burma
