Thai Standing Divinity of Fabulas Bird (aka Garuda & Narain)

Art

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Name/Title

Thai Standing Divinity of Fabulas Bird (aka Garuda & Narain)

Entry/Object ID

MK_0055

Description

This late 19th-20th century Thai carved wood statue, believed to represent the Hindu god Vishnu, is poised atop the back of a garuda bird. Its ornate surfaces are adorned with inlaid colored glass, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of its time. The Garuda, the supporting figure in this Ayudhya sculpture, is friendly despite his disconcerting appearance, replete with vulture legs, beak nose, and monster pose: he is the Golden Bird, the unbound spirit of the Hindu literary classic, the Ramayana. He serves as a spiritual counterpart to Phra Narai, the Thai incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. Dazzling in its glass Mosaic attire, this figure once decorated the main gable of a Thai temple, in a monastic complex on the outskirts of a northern Thai city. Now, standing proudly in the main lobby of the hotel, this striking sculpture graces guests with its awe-inspiring presence, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural and mythological heritage of Thailand. This treasured piece has been in the Mauna Kea's collection since 1965, when Laurance Rockefeller developed the hotel and was very recently restored.

Artwork Details

Medium

Wood

Made/Created

Artist

Artist unknown

Time Period

19th Century, 20th Century

Place

Country

Thailand

Continent

Asia

Dimensions

Height

93 in

Height

12 in

Width

20 in

Length

31 in

Copper Bar

Floor

Promenade Level

Building

Main Tower