Chofa or architectural fragment

19th century

Teak wood

H260cmx70x52cm

Mounted on a tailor-made metal base

A Chofa is a an architectural decorative ornament that adorns the roofedge of a temple or palace roof in most Southeast Asian countries.  It resembles a elongated bird and looks hornlike. The chofa is generally believed to represent the mythical creature Garuda, half bird and half man from the Hindu mythologie, who is the vehicle of the Hindu god Vishnu.

These two Chofa represent a fabulous dragon (Makara) with teeth and tongue. This creature with the trunk of a makara, a goatee and horns, his eyes wide open is of a surprising grandeur.

The teak wood shows traces of red pigment and extensive gilding.

Available by piece.