Indra (Phra In) on a three-headed elephant...

For sale is this extraordinary and expressive bronze group of the god Indra on the three-headed elephant Airavata, known in Thailand as Erawan. Indra, in Thai tradition also called Phra In, is depicted here as a four-armed deity. He sits in lotus position on the elephant’s back and wears a tall, richly adorned crown as well as jewelry and a traditionally designed garment. The four arms are depicted in different gestures and hold or present various stylized attributes. Particularly characteristic is the mount: the elephant has three heads, with one head facing forward and the other two directed to the left and right. This representation corresponds to the mythological elephant Airavata/Erawan, known as Indra’s mount. The three elephant heads are each crafted with detailed foreheads, eyes, large ears, and curved trunks. The entire bronze possesses a striking, time-worn surface with dark brown to black areas and a pronounced green-to-turquoise patina. Especially in the recesses and on the elephant heads, the different patinations are clearly visible and emphasize the characterful overall impression. Dimensions & weight: Height approx. 21 cm, Width approx. 14 cm, Depth approx. 13 cm, Weight approx. 1,277 g / 1.277 kg. Material: Bronze. Depiction: Indra (Phra In) on the three-headed Airavata/Erawan. Execution: cast and patinated. Style/Origin: Southeast Asia / presumably Thailand. The bronze comes from an inherited collection of Asian art and decorative objects. The condition is used and shows clear age and use-related traces. Present are a variably pronounced patina, oxidation and discoloration traces, abrasion, deposits, as well as casting and surface irregularities. On the torso of the deity there are clearly visible openings or missing parts, which are well recognizable in the detailed photos. In several other areas there are smaller irregularities and material losses as well. The underside is open and also shows clear deposits and aging traces. The existing patina has not been removed. A precise dating has not been made; the figure is therefore not described as antique. The photos are part of the condition description.

Estimate:$1.12

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