Large Bronze Thepphanoms Adorants, Rattanakosin

• Imposing pair of Thepanom or worshippers, in the Thai tradition. These statues generally represent deities (Devata) or mythological beings kneeling, hands clasped in a sign of respect or veneration, often placed in pairs on either side of a Buddha statue or at the entrance to temples.
• They embody protective celestial beings, inspired by Hindu-Buddhist myths, and are a common motif in Thai art and architecture. A Thepanom symbolizes devotion and spiritual protection in the Thai Buddhist context.
• Bronze, Rattanakosin period, early 20th century.
• Provenance: Estate of Asian art dealer and collector Claude de Marteau
• Sold with certificate of origin
• H 96 cm x D 57 cm x W 46 cm
• Weight: approx. 80 kg each

Old photograph from the archives of Claude de Marteau Showing the two Thepphanom

These images of worshippers are sometimes confused with Buddhas due to iconographic details also used in their representations, these similarities are actually signs of Buddhahood: the lakshanas.

• The three neck folds: A symbol of beauty, they embody the elegance and gentleness of the Buddha’s words, as well as the ability of his teaching to heal and soothe.
• Elongated earlobes: A sign of Buddha’s princely past, when he wore heavy ear jewels.
• The monastic robe is not a lakshana, but symbolizes renunciation of material attachments, reflecting spiritual purity and commitment to the Buddhist path.

Both representations are devoid of ushnisha (cranial protuberance) and urna (a spiral or half-ball placed on the Buddha’s forehead).