Large Burmese Statue of a Dancer in Courtly Dress

This tall and imposing figure of a male dancer in courtly dress has been carved from solid teak wood, and then lacquered and gilded, and decorated with mirrored glass roundels.

The figure wears a tiered crown with a spire, and a costume that in real life was made of sequinned textile with ‘wings’ that flared out with the support of concealed bamboo rods.

The hands are held before the figure and the feet are arranged in a dance pose on a round stand. The index finger of the left hand points out (this has some minor damage, which is not unexpected given how it juts out.)

The dancer’s costume is decorated with applied bands of moulded lacquer scrolling, known as thayo work, and is inset with foil-backed glass roundels (known as hman-zi-shwei-cha).

Overall, this is a highly decorative and sculptural work, evocative of court dancers who would have entertained the Burmese royal family. It is in overall fine condition. It is without any insect damage.