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19th Century Thailand Bronze Temple Guards Statues Pair lot 433

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SKU

433

Antique Thai bronze temple guardians depicting a male and female pair, kneeling in Anjali mudra. Hand cast figures with remnants of original fire gilding and deep natural patina. Temple guardianship figures from Thailand, 19th century, complete and matching set.

€1,450.00

This exceptional pair of antique Thai bronze temple guardians represents a male and female couple, conceived as a unified devotional set rather than decorative objects. Both figures are shown kneeling in Anjali mudra, the gesture of reverence and devotion, traditionally placed at the entrance of temples or sacred shrines to welcome worshippers and protect the spiritual threshold.

The sculptures are hand cast in bronze and retain clear traces of original 24k fire gilding, still visible in the deeper recesses and protected areas. Over time this gilding has softened into a rich and very beautiful natural patina, ranging from warm golden tones to deep brown and green hues. This layered surface cannot be reproduced artificially and confirms genuine age and ritual life.

Particularly striking are the elegant thin hands and refined fingers, delicately modelled and anatomically convincing. This level of finesse is typical of high quality nineteenth century temple bronzes and immediately distinguishes the pair from later decorative reproductions. The crowns, facial expressions and body proportions show subtle individual differences while remaining clearly conceived as a matching male and female set.

With a height of 56 cm and a combined weight of 15 kg, the figures are large and substantial, originally intended for architectural or temple placement rather than domestic display. Their scale and presence give them strong visual authority and ritual gravitas.

Meaning and function

Temple guardians such as these symbolize respect, protection and spiritual balance. The male and female pairing represents harmony and completeness, guarding sacred space while expressing humility toward the divine. The Anjali mudra signifies devotion, welcome and the acknowledgment of higher spiritual order.

The set has been professionally examined and appraised, confirming authenticity, period and material. As a complete male and female pair with original fire gilding, strong patina and refined craftsmanship, this is a true must have for serious collectors of Southeast Asian art or for placement in a refined interior with cultural depth.

19th Century Thailand Bronze Temple Guards Statues Pair lot 433

In stock

Description

Estimated Value

€4.000 – €5.500

Object

Pair of antique Thai bronze temple guardians representing a male and female figure. Conceived as a unified devotional set, intended for placement at the entrance of a temple or sacred space. Both figures are shown kneeling in Anjali mudra.

Material

Cast bronze with surviving traces of original 24k fire gilding. The remaining gilding is visible in protected areas and confirms traditional fire gilding rather than later surface treatment.

Technique

Hand cast using traditional lost wax methods. The figures show individual finishing and subtle differences, consistent with workshop production rather than mechanical repetition.

Iconography

The male and female guardians kneel in Anjali mudra, the gesture of reverence, devotion and respectful greeting. This posture symbolises humility toward the divine and the welcoming of worshippers into sacred space.

Surface & Evidence

The surface displays a deep, layered and very attractive natural patina developed over long ritual use. Warm golden undertones from the original gilding are combined with brown and green oxidation, creating a complex and convincing aged surface.

Construction

Solidly cast with correct weight and proportions for temple placement. The thin, elegant hands and refined fingers show high sculptural quality and careful hand finishing.

Condition

Excellent and honest condition for age. No modern restorations observed. Wear is consistent with age and devotional use.

Dimensions

Height 56 cm each

Total weight approximately 15 kg

Dating

19th century, circa 1850–1900.

Region

Thailand.

Authenticity

Professionally examined and appraised. The combination of material, technique, patina, surviving fire gilding and sculptural quality confirms these figures as genuine antique temple guardians, not later decorative or vintage objects.