Grand Carved Wood Thepphanom Guardian – Thailand, 18th Century

Large carved wooden Thepphanom statue or image, formerly hung on a temple gable. Thailand, late 18th century, Ayutthaya transition – early Rattanakosin.

Provenance: Former collection of Claude de Marteau, accompanied by a certificate.

• H with base 129 cm x D 30 cm x W 45 cm.
• H without base 120 cm.

The Thepphanom, Guardian of Thai Buddhist Temples

The Thepphanom, sometimes spelled Thepanom or Thep Phanom, is a protective figure in Thai tradition, assimilated to a celestial being or guardian deity watching over Buddhist temples and sacred objects, often placed near a Buddha statue. It is typically depicted kneeling, with hands joined in anjali mudra, the traditional Thai gesture expressing respect, devotion, and prayer. According to tradition, these celestial beings appeared at the time of the Buddha’s Enlightenment to protect him, before becoming the guardians of sanctuaries and religious relics.

The Thep Phanom, celestial being and guardian angel, appeared on Earth when Buddha attained enlightenment.

This carved wooden Thepphanom image, dating from the late 18th century, once adorned the facade of a temple, notably surrounded by chofa. Its features, elegantly softened by the wear of time and weather, bear witness to several centuries of exposure. It was acquired by Claude de Marteau in the 1960s or 1970s, likely following the restoration of a temple. Numerous vestiges of gilding are still visible, as are mica inlays, a reflective rock presenting in thin sheets, frequently used to enrich the decorations of Thai and Burmese works.