Ancient antique Garuda chofa, Claude de Marteau collection

Side view of the carved wood chofa on its white steel base.

A beak-shaped detail of the Buddhist sculpture

A front view of the Buddhist temple artifact

The back of the chofa from the Claude de Marteau collection

Claude Marteau Chofa next to a bamboo and brass armchair

Carved Wood Chofa Garuda – Thailand

€1200,00

Antique Garuda Chofa in carved wood from Thailand.

Comes complete with steel base, 4 adjustable feet and tilt adjustment screw.
Provenance: Former collection Claude de Marteau.
This piece is sold with a certificate of provenance.
H max (with base) 183 CM X P 23 CM X W 20 CM.
Stand W 34 CM X D 28.5 CM.

1 available in store

Ref: 0007341 Categories: Decoration, Himalayas and Southeast Asia Tags: Antique Buddhas – Claude de Marteau Selection, Antique chofas

Carved Wood Chofa Garuda

This ancient carved wood chofa (or chofah) represents the mythical bird Garuda, mount of the god Vishnu. A characteristic element of Thai architecture, the chofa adorns the ends of temple roofs, defining the silhouette of religious buildings.

Example of chofas or chofah on the roof of a Buddhist temple in Bangkok.

Chofas, placed atop a Buddhist temple roof, here in Bangkok.

In the Thai context, Garuda is both a royal and spiritual symbol, associated with power, justice, and protection. These roof finials thus contribute to the apotropaic dimension of the building, intended to ward off harmful influences and attract blessings upon the place and its occupants.

Crafted from carved wood, this piece exhibits a beautiful presence and is part of the tradition of Siamese decorative arts. It can be dated to around the early 19th century.