Mythical bird-woman (kinnari)

Date19th century

MediumGilded and painted bronze, with inset colored and clear glass

DimensionsApprox. (figure alone): 36 3/4 × 14 1/4 × 19 inches (93.3 × 36.2 × 48.3 cm);
Mount: 8 × 9 × 9 inches (20.3 × 22.9 × 22.9 cm)

CultureThai

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LineGift of Simeon Slovacek, MS 1974, PhD 1976, and Camille Slovacek

Terms

Sculpture
Bronze
Glass
Thai (?)

Object number2012.050

Label CopyKinnari, the half-human, half-bird creatures that inhabit the mythical Himavanta Forest, were believed to have the ability to fly between earthly and heavenly realms. Kinnari became popular motifs in sculpture, painting, ceramics and textiles. During the late nineteenth century large statues such as this were displayed on posts and lampposts along the main boulevards of Bangkok.

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