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Description: An unusual late 19th to early 20th century Teak wood carved Burmese Temple Sculpture of a supernatural 'Nat' Guardian Spirit, kneeling on a Lotus flower, riding his mount or 'Vahana', a gigantic Scavenger Rat. The figure is depicted with the right hand elevated offering protection in warding off evil, in which the hand probably would have clutched a long spear. He is dressed in a long regal Mandalay style garment, decorated with finely ridged floral plates and winged extrusions, and draped central panel.

xxx The head is covered by a Burmese style headdress, dome-shaped with graduated layers rising to an ornament finial. The hand-painted features of the face appear realistic and vivid, portraying a benevolent nature, with almond-shaped eyes, long nose, bow-shaped mouth, and arching eyebrows outlined in black.

xxx The two part carving is removable from its animal vehicle, supported by a wedged shaped base , which fits snug into the Rat's body.. Condition is excellent, finely carved with detailed painted surface.

xxx

In Burmese culture these wonderful relics are an essential part to their religious practice and worship, of which derived from a pre-Buddhist animistic belief, which included nature and animal spirits, angels, mythical guardians, and an officially sanctioned list of Nat spirits. Some of these spirits have benevolent nature, while others have been seen to represent more adverse phenomena. Among the key 37 Nats, this figure is that of a benevolent spirit, and would have been housed within a monastery, temple, temple cave, or grottos.

"Oh joyful Guardian Spirit, may you show us with your blessings, the blessings of Nature and the Divine."

Remarks: Excellent condition, preserved by re-applied layers of lacquer paint from time to time, with the wood having normal chips, dents, and minor paint loss, due to the many years of exposure to the weather and other deteriorating conditions.

Data Observation: Please view detailed photos for overall quality and minor imperfections of the item.

Dimensions: Height: 18.75 inches (47.63cm).

Shipping: Item(s) shipped direct from Thailand worldwide, through Thailand Post Register Airmail (3-4 weeks) or Sea Freight (4-5 weeks) depending on container size and weight. All items shall be handled with the utmost care and professionally packed. Purchaser is responsible for any applied Customs Duty Fees, Taxes, and related charges, which may be assessed by the buyer's government. The winning bidder agrees that any and all claims for loss, damage, or confiscated by country customs of the item will be handled solely through the insurance claims process or the shipping carrier.

Shipping Calculations: Cost of shipping is determined by the weight of the packaged item, plus the cost of the packing supplies, plus the registration & export license fees (applicable on all religious artifacts). Please keep in mind that Ebay and Paypal take a combined commission fee of almost 15 percent, automatically deducted from the shipping charges, which we have offset in the shipping total. We do not profit on shipping fees and do our best to arrive at the most accurate and fair price for all parties involved.

Terms: Pay Pal is the accepted method of payment, and must be received within 24 hours of the auction end: includes a 7 day return policy, item must be returned in the exact same condition as sold. Return shipment must be paid by the purchaser.

Guarantee: 100% Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed - We are extremely confident that all items presented from our collection are genuine antiques. In the event the authenticity of an artifact is disputed, please contact us immediately. We will refund the respective purchase, less a 10% (ten percent) re-stocking fee, provided that the item is returned in the original condition, and at the customers expense, together with copies of the respective receipt (s) and supporting evidence from a suitable qualified authority, certifying that the item we have sent you is not antique. Siam Gallery Co. reserves the right to contest a customers assessment in the event that proof is available to support the pieces authenticity. Please e-mail us with your questions and bid with confidence.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN OUR GALLERY OF FINE ART.