Thai Polychrome Dancer Figure

This seated figure of a Thai dancer dates to the early 20th century and is a fantastic example of Southeast Asian statuary. Comprised of polychromed wood with lacquer and mixed-media elements, the figure is visually similar to three-dimensional theater puppets known as hun yai. Carved with lifelike movement, the dancer sits with her weight shifted to one side in a position of animated repose, as though briefly holding a controlled posture before springing into her next step.

She wears an amused expression upon her face, painted white with theater makeup, and her robes are intricately decorated with raised linework and colorful sequins of cut glass. Now faded to reveal the red lacquer base layer, the garment bears traces of the original gilt finish that imitated fine gold silks and embroidery.

Significant losses to polychrome finish.