Rare 19th C. Thai Gilt Brass Statue of Monk Phra Malai

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Exceptional Finds | Ancient, Asian, Ethno, Fi...

By Artemis Fine Arts

Mar 20, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-03-20 10:00:00 2025-03-20 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Finds | Ancient, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-finds-ancient-asian-ethno-fine-art-18151
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• Lot Description
  Southeast Asia, Thailand, Rattanakosin period, ca. 19th century CE. A gilt brass statue of a monk, likely Phra Malai Kham Luang, distinguished from Buddha statuary by the absence of an ushnisha protuberance. Cast over a pottery core, the figure is seated in the full lotus dhyanasana position atop a multi-tiered pedestal, with one hand touching the ground in the bhumisparsha mudra. In his other hand, he holds a socket encrusted with mortar, which likely once secured his iconic monastic fan. The surface of his kasaya robe is relief-cast with scrolling foliate and rosette motifs. Along each tier of the pedestal, figures in low relief are shown with hands clasped in the anjali mudra, a gesture of prayer and reverence. The statue remains in beautiful antique condition, with age-related wear that enhances its historical character.
  
  Such statues were often placed in shrines or temples as devotional objects, honoring revered monks and spiritual figures like Phra Malai Kham Luang, who was believed to have traveled between the earthly and celestial realms to spread the teachings of Buddhism. While Buddha statues dominate Buddhist art, depictions of monks - especially in large, monumental forms - are rarer. However, certain monks were so highly venerated that their images were cast in monumental form, and Phra Malai is one such figure. Phra Malai is a legendary Buddhist monk in Thai and other Southeast Asian traditions, believed to have attained extraordinary spiritual powers through intense meditation and merit-making. His story, originating from Theravada Buddhist texts, describes his travels to heaven and hell, where he witnessed the rewards of the virtuous and the suffering of the sinful. He is said to have spoken directly with celestial beings and the Buddha Metteyya (Maitreya) - the Buddha of the future - bringing back teachings and warnings to the human realm. His legend became widely popular in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, making Phra Malai one of the most revered figures in Buddhist folklore. Phra Malai is frequently depicted holding a monastic fan (talapat) - a distinctive element of his iconography with deep symbolic and ritual significance. While the socket in this statue's hand could be misinterpreted as a begging bowl, comparisons with other depictions of Phra Malai indicate that it was actually intended to secure the handle of his fan. In traditional Thai and Southeast Asian Buddhist art, this fan is not merely an accessory but a powerful emblem of his spiritual authority and supernatural wisdom.
  
  Please note that this item is heavy/oversized. Please inquire about shipping prior to bidding.
  
  Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
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  #192444

  Condition

  Overall lovely antique condition. Missing fan that he once held. Fading and losses to gilt, surface discoloration and stains. Green patina and oxidation especially along base edge. There are some losses to metal surface layers and abrasions along the pedestal. The hollow interior is filled with pottery, adding substantial weight.
• Shipping Info

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