**Originally Listed At $1200**

Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 1920 CE. A striking bronze statue depicting a Garuda cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) process. The hybrid bird / anthropomorphic entity squats upon bent legs with curled talons extending from feathered limbs and dramatically outstretched winged arms and fingers making a mudra that - while difficult to identify since the Garuda only has 4 fingers - most resembles the Shuni (or Shoonya) gesture formed by touching the tip of the middle finger to the thumb tip, while keeping the other fingers straight or relaxed. This mudra is believed to purify one's emotions and thoughts as well as improve alertness, intuition, and sensory abilities. Adding to this Garuda's splendor is its wonderful ensemble of jewelry and the elaborate headdress. A fabulous sculpture with lovely patina. Size: 11" W x 9" H (27.9 cm x 22.9 cm)

A Garuda is a mythical avian creature, a somewhat humanoid bird (note the human hands in combination with the undeniable bird characteristics of this figure), important in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology, representing the enlightened mind and by extension signifying unborn and never-ending possibilities. In Buddhist mythology, Garuda are the brilliant gold-winged Peng birds that possess great intelligence, and most impressively, have the ability to grow quite large or quite small, to appear and disappear. They are known for their brilliant wings which are believed to span miles and miles. According to legend, when Garuda's wings flap, hurricane-like winds dramatically blow down shelters and darken the skies; this narrative stemming from tales of golden-winged Peng birds, believed to dry up the seas with one flap of their wings in order to devour the exposed dragons residing in the waters. In Thailand, one variant of Garuda called Khrut Pha (meaning "Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu") is used as a symbol of the royal family. What's more, statues and imagery of Garuda are featured at many Thai Buddhist temples, and Garuda has become the cultural symbol of Thailand. A marvelous piece manifesting simultaneously as a magnificent avian and divine being.

Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection acquired at Indochine Gallery

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#128590

Intact and excellent save minor casting flaw to underside of base. Nice patina.