Statuette de princesse en bronze, Thailande, Epoque Ayutthaya, XVIE siècle

représentée assise sur une base quadrangulaire, sa jambe gauche repliée le long du corps, la droite repliée sous le genou gauche, les deux mains posées à plat sur les cuisses, revêtue d'un fin dhoti caractéristique des habits de princesse, plissé dans le bas et recouvert d'une veste croisée sur la poitrine, le visage très finement sculpté, coiffé d'un diadème couvrant le chignon, portant divers bijoux (bracelets, pendants d'oreille en forme de bouton de lotus et bagues)

Mr C. Niel, Conseiller à la Cour Suprème du Royaume de Siam
Michon-Mahé, Paris
Collection privée française depuis.

G. Coedes, Journal of the Siam Society (XVI/I), 1922
A.B. Griswold, Artibus Asiae, vol XXI,I, Switzerland, 1958

 

The head detached and re affixed with a patch of old lead. A corrosion/oxidation hole to one side of the base, below her right knee (approx.5 x 2cm). An area pitted on her left leg at the level of her ankle (approx 4.5 x 2cm). The bronze with a rich brown patina, bearing traces of old black lacquer to the base and parts of the figure.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This unusual sculpture has been dated by George Coedés[1] to the 15^th century based on descriptions of the clothing allowed for princes and princesses of the realm contained in the Palatine Law (Kot Mandirapala), or "Law of the Palace Guards", proclaimed in Ayutthaya in 1458. Coedés identifies the sculpture as that of a princess, one of the kings granddaughters, wearing the Khmer style clothing promulgated in this text, and it is possible that the sculpture originally displayed designs on the clothing in polychrome which would further support this argument.

[1] G. Coedés, Journal of the Siam Society (XVI/I), 1922