Vintage Burmese Thai Carved Striped Wood Crowned Deity Head with Stand 12 in

Overview

A vintage carved wood crowned deity head in the Burmese and Thai court tradition, on its own wooden display stand. The face is calm, with lowered almond eyes, a long straight nose, a slight smile and a small lotus-shaped mark on the forehead. A tall crown sits above the brow, carved with flame and leaf patterns, a pointed band of triangles and flame-shaped side wings, and it rises into a tiered spire with open windows and round rosettes, ending in a slender finial. Ornaments hang beside each ear. The wood has bold dark and light stripes that run down through the face and crown. It suits a bookshelf, desk, mantel or console.

Background

Crowns that rise into a tiered, pagoda-like spire with flame-shaped side wings are a feature of Burmese and Thai court and Buddhist art, and striped-wood heads like this on fitted stands were carved in the region as decorative pieces in the later 20th century. This head is carved from a single piece of striped hardwood, and the back is hollowed so it rests against the upright of the stand. It is unsigned, with no maker's mark. The stand has a molded base with a recess for the head and a tall support. The exact country of origin, the figure shown, the age and the wood type have not been established.

Condition

Good vintage condition and very stable. There are a few age-related cracks along the grain, including a hairline crack from the crown down the forehead toward the nose and a small one near the brow. The crown points show light wear and some dust in the carving. The stand has scratches and finish loss on the base edges. Please see all photos.

Dimensions & Weight

The head is 11.6 x 4 x 2 inches (H x W x D), about 29.5 x 10.2 x 5.1 cm. With the stand, it weighs 14.9 oz. The stand is included.

Shipping

Free standard shipping within the US, packed securely.