Danseur céleste - Milieu 20ème siècle - Statue - Thailand
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Bronze sculpture titled 'Danseur céleste - Milieu 20ème siècle' from Thailand, in good condition, with dimensions 21 × 14 × 10 cm, unsigned, sold without a stand.
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Description from the seller
Celestial Dancer
Figure of a devout worshipper in prayer
Thailand, mid-20th century
Bronze
Dimensions: 21 × 14 × 10 cm
Elegant bronze sculpture depicting a richly dressed Thai dancer, shown in an attitude of devotion, with one knee on the ground and hands joined before the chest in the traditional gesture of respect and prayer. The figure adopts a dynamic and ceremonial posture, the torso slightly tilted backward, one leg folded under the body and the other bent forward. This composition, graceful yet theatrical, evokes the codified postures of Thai classical dance as well as representations of celestial beings and royal servants in the traditional art of the Kingdom of Siam.
The face features delicately molded lines. The expression, imbued with calm and contemplation, contrasts with the movement of the silhouette. The head is crowned with a tall ceremonial headdress, characterized by a long pointed tip composed of several overlapping circular elements. This coiffure, related to traditional Mongkut crowns, constitutes a distinctive element of Thai royal and theatrical iconography. The costume stands out for its remarkable ornamental richness.
The shoulders are accentuated by two rigid, pointed elements, reminiscent of epaulettes characteristic of classical dance costumes. The torso is adorned with floral motifs and beaded borders, while the hips are framed by broad decorative panels raised, whose surfaces feature repetitive patterns reminiscent of scales or petals. The lower garment, close-fitting to the legs, is enhanced with small floral rosettes placed at regular intervals. A long ornamental piece descends along the center of the composition, finished with a tip and decorated with stylized botanical motifs.
The reverse reveals particular attention to costume treatment, with decorative borders, floral motifs and projecting elements that extend the ornamentation across the entire sculpture. The figure rests on an oval base with inclined walls.
The gesture of joined hands, called wai in Thai culture, expresses respect, devotion or homage shown to a superior figure. The kneeling posture of the character reinforces this ceremonial dimension and suggests an attitude of offering, salute or veneration. The present sculpture sits within the continuity of these artistic traditions, pairing the elegance of court figures with the rich decoration of Siamese traditional costumes.
Conservation status:
Good overall condition. The bronze displays a very beautiful brown-gold patina, with light signs of wear, small superficial scratches, and localized verdigris deposits in the recessed parts of the decorative areas.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with UPS and insured
Seller's Story
Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia.
With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest.
Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions.
We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
Translated by Google TranslateCelestial Dancer
Figure of a devout worshipper in prayer
Thailand, mid-20th century
Bronze
Dimensions: 21 × 14 × 10 cm
Elegant bronze sculpture depicting a richly dressed Thai dancer, shown in an attitude of devotion, with one knee on the ground and hands joined before the chest in the traditional gesture of respect and prayer. The figure adopts a dynamic and ceremonial posture, the torso slightly tilted backward, one leg folded under the body and the other bent forward. This composition, graceful yet theatrical, evokes the codified postures of Thai classical dance as well as representations of celestial beings and royal servants in the traditional art of the Kingdom of Siam.
The face features delicately molded lines. The expression, imbued with calm and contemplation, contrasts with the movement of the silhouette. The head is crowned with a tall ceremonial headdress, characterized by a long pointed tip composed of several overlapping circular elements. This coiffure, related to traditional Mongkut crowns, constitutes a distinctive element of Thai royal and theatrical iconography. The costume stands out for its remarkable ornamental richness.
The shoulders are accentuated by two rigid, pointed elements, reminiscent of epaulettes characteristic of classical dance costumes. The torso is adorned with floral motifs and beaded borders, while the hips are framed by broad decorative panels raised, whose surfaces feature repetitive patterns reminiscent of scales or petals. The lower garment, close-fitting to the legs, is enhanced with small floral rosettes placed at regular intervals. A long ornamental piece descends along the center of the composition, finished with a tip and decorated with stylized botanical motifs.
The reverse reveals particular attention to costume treatment, with decorative borders, floral motifs and projecting elements that extend the ornamentation across the entire sculpture. The figure rests on an oval base with inclined walls.
The gesture of joined hands, called wai in Thai culture, expresses respect, devotion or homage shown to a superior figure. The kneeling posture of the character reinforces this ceremonial dimension and suggests an attitude of offering, salute or veneration. The present sculpture sits within the continuity of these artistic traditions, pairing the elegance of court figures with the rich decoration of Siamese traditional costumes.
Conservation status:
Good overall condition. The bronze displays a very beautiful brown-gold patina, with light signs of wear, small superficial scratches, and localized verdigris deposits in the recessed parts of the decorative areas.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with UPS and insured
Seller's Story
Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia.
With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest.
Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions.
We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Country of origin
Thailand
Material
Bronze
Title of artwork
Danseur céleste - Milieu 20ème siècle
Signature
Not signed
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Height
21 cm
Width
14 cm
Depth
10 cm
Sold by
