Antique Gilded and lacquered teakwood figurine, Burma

Gilded and lacquered teakwood figurine, Burma

Teakwood, overlayed with gilded lacquer and set with stones and small pieces of mirror.

She is most likely a Nat, from pre-Buddhist animist beliefs of Burmese people. These are a group of supernatural beings, or nature spirits, of which there is special group of 37 ‘royal’ Nats.

Nat worship sill occurs in Burmese society alongside Buddhism which is the prevalent religion. It is much more common in rural areas.

Dimensions: 
37 cm high (excl base) x 15 cm wide x 23 cm deep.

Date: 
circa 1920