Ayutthaya | Carved Wooden Temple Fragment with Gilded Accents | Thailand | Circa 17th Century
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Thailand, Ayutthaya Kingdom
Material: Carved wood with remnants of gilding
Period: 17th Century CE
Description
This antique temple fragment is a remarkable example of Thai craftsmanship from the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Once part of a grand temple structure, the piece features deeply carved, flowing motifs that reflect both aesthetic beauty and religious symbolism. The surviving gilded highlights hint at the opulence of its original form, designed to enhance the spiritual and visual grandeur of Buddhist architecture.
Features
- Intricately carved, curvilinear designs evoking natural forms such as foliage and flames
- Deeply engraved patterns showcasing the skill of Ayutthaya artisans
- Remnants of gilding along the edges, underscoring its decorative richness
- Symmetrical motifs and graceful curves, suggesting its role as a gable or lintel panel within a temple structure
Cultural Significance
The Ayutthaya Kingdom (14th–18th centuries) was celebrated for its elaborate temples and artistic expression, blending Buddhist spirituality with refined design. Decorative fragments such as this were not only ornamental but symbolic, embodying divine energy, cycles of life, and the harmony of nature within sacred architecture. This piece reflects the religious devotion and cultural sophistication of one of Thailand’s greatest historical periods.
Condition
The fragment shows natural wear consistent with centuries of exposure, including surface abrasions and weathering. Traces of gilding remain visible, enhancing its authenticity and historic character. Despite age-related losses, the carving retains much of its beauty and conveys the grandeur of its original temple setting.
Dimensions (approximate)
Length: 48 in
Age
17th Century CE
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Thailand, Ayutthaya Kingdom
Material: Carved wood with remnants of gilding
Period: 17th Century CE
Description
This antique temple fragment is a remarkable example of Thai craftsmanship from the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Once part of a grand temple structure, the piece features deeply carved, flowing motifs that reflect both aesthetic beauty and religious symbolism. The surviving gilded highlights hint at the opulence of its original form, designed to enhance the spiritual and visual grandeur of Buddhist architecture.
Features
- Intricately carved, curvilinear designs evoking natural forms such as foliage and flames
- Deeply engraved patterns showcasing the skill of Ayutthaya artisans
- Remnants of gilding along the edges, underscoring its decorative richness
- Symmetrical motifs and graceful curves, suggesting its role as a gable or lintel panel within a temple structure
Cultural Significance
The Ayutthaya Kingdom (14th–18th centuries) was celebrated for its elaborate temples and artistic expression, blending Buddhist spirituality with refined design. Decorative fragments such as this were not only ornamental but symbolic, embodying divine energy, cycles of life, and the harmony of nature within sacred architecture. This piece reflects the religious devotion and cultural sophistication of one of Thailand’s greatest historical periods.
Condition
The fragment shows natural wear consistent with centuries of exposure, including surface abrasions and weathering. Traces of gilding remain visible, enhancing its authenticity and historic character. Despite age-related losses, the carving retains much of its beauty and conveys the grandeur of its original temple setting.
Dimensions (approximate)
Length: 48 in
Age
17th Century CE
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