Pair of gilded bronze Thai temple birds with bells. Thailand, 19th century.

Pair of gilded bronze Thai temple birds with bells. Thailand, 19th century. 24 x 10 x h 53.5 cm (each, including base). The hong — the sacred bird of Thai Buddhist tradition, derived from the celestial swan hamsa of Hindu cosmology — is among the most recurring subjects in Southeast Asian sacred art. Associated with purity and transcendence, it was placed inside temples as a decorative and votive element. The two specimens, cast in bronze and covered with lacquer gilding, feature the typical ceremonial rendering of the subject: an oval body covered with finely chiseled scales and spiral motifs, an elongated neck curving upwards and ending in a serpent-like head, and a fan-shaped tail with stylized feathers. The lateral wings, rendered in openwork, display an ornamental repertoire of volutes and flames characteristic of Rattanakosin temple production. From each neck hangs, via a metal wire, a bronze bell with a pointed leaf-shaped clapper, intended to produce auspicious sounds. Each specimen rests on a truncated cone pedestal decorated in registers, grafted onto a modern black lacquered wooden base. Condition report: Lacquer gilding with widespread losses and surface bronze oxidation, consistent with cult use and the age of the piece. Some losses in the pierced parts of the wings. Modern wooden base in good condition. All shipments within the EU are free and professionally packaged. This item is sold with a legally valid certificate of authenticity. Further details on the condition report are available upon request. Viezzi Arte guarantees quality and professionalism at competitive prices, contact us at [email protected] or via WhatsApp at +39 3402841279. Message for non-Italian buyers: This work has not yet obtained the certificate of free export from Italy, issued by the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage, which attests that the work is not part of Italian cultural heritage and can therefore be exported freely. The regulations in force from 2026 provide for reduced times for works with a declared value of less than €50,000, established at the discretion of the expert commission: an average of 2-3 weeks from the submission of the request. All costs related to this procedure are included in the price. Disclaimer Rendering: The setting images are generated with AI for illustrative purposes and may not respect the real proportions of the work.