Lot 30
Rare Thai Nariphon & Makkaliphon Fruit Paste Figures
Rare Thai Nariphon & Makkaliphon Fruit Paste Figures
Starting Bid: $700
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Southeast Asia, Thailand, ca. late 20th century CE. A remarkable and unusual pair of Thai figures modeled from dried fruit and flower paste, representing the mythical Nariphon (female) and Makkaliphon (male) beings from Buddhist legend. Each figure stands in an elongated, columnar pose with arms held close to the body, their surfaces retaining the textured organic quality of the natural materials from which they are formed. The female figure displays subtle anatomical detail with small, rounded breasts and gently curving hips, while the male is more angular, with a narrower chest and defined torso. Both figures feature small topknots, recalling the stem-like attachment to the branches from which such beings are said to grow. In Buddhist mythology, the Nariphon and Makkaliphon are the fruit of enchanted trees found in the Himaphan, the mythical forest of Buddhist cosmology. Size of larger (male): 1.6" W x 6.1" H (4.1 cm x 15.5 cm)
According to the Vessantara Jataka, the god Indra created twelve Nariphon trees to protect the Bodhisattva Vessantara's wife from the lustful attentions of forest-dwelling ascetics. The trees bore fruits in the form of beautiful human-like beings to distract and incapacitate those who might harm her, causing them to fall into months-long slumber after consorting with the fruits.
These rare folk representations echo the enduring Thai fascination with the Nariphon and Makkaliphon, which remain potent symbols in local lore - beings that possess human-like features and internal organs, yet lack bones, and are said to have the power to sing and dance. Traditionally, such representations are made to be both devotional and protective, embodying the intertwined themes of beauty, temptation, and spiritual safeguarding that the myth conveys.
Exhibited: 2022 May 13 to July 9. "
Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, acquired in 2010 via descent; ex-private collection of Ralph T. Coe, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, received as a gift; ex-Carrie Haley and Asian art dealer James Barker, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, acquired in Vietnam in 2010
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#196207
- Condition: Losses to feet and weathering to surfaces as shown. Otherwise, nice with clear forms.
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| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |