Wooden Sculpture Of A Burmese Nat

Antique Burmese wooden sculpture representing one of the 37 Nat, guardian spirits of religion. This is probably the Nat Min Mahagiri, often depicted with his hands joined in prayer. He is one of the most venerated figures in the Burmese pantheon. Burma (Myanmar), 18th/19th century. Good condition considering its age, vestige of polychromy, particularly on the back. Provenance: Estate of Asian art dealer and collector Claude de Marteau Sold with certificate of provenance. A second Nat is also available (See last photo) H 75 cm x W 18 cm x D 13 cm The Sasana Nat (in Pali-Burmese language sasana nat means guardian of religion) are ancient Hindu deities. There are 37 Nat, they continue to be venerated in Burma (Myanmar) to this day, with pilgrimage sites, temples, relic sites and festivals. Nats have human characteristics, desires and needs. They are often described as imperfect and having taboo or immoral desires in traditional Buddhism. Statues like this one, which venerate them, reflect this human dimension, with their faces often showing a wider range of emotions than those of the Buddha, more impassive or meditative. Buddhism has integrated them through syncretism and it is not uncommon to see them in temples although the Buddha always predominates in these cases. See this Birman Nat in full screen mode on Vintage Addict