
Mark Rasmussen
International Director
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Sold for US$4,000 inc. premium
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International Director
The present lot models either the stupas (dagobas) of Sri Lanka or the derivative Lankan-style stupas (chedis) of Sukhothai period Thailand (1238–1438 CE). If Sri Lankan, it bears close resemblance to the golden stupa at Dambulla, built in the 5th century, as well as two examples published in von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculpture in Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, 1990, nos 120D-E.
If Thai, given the absence of a fourth band of lotus petals around the base, the model most likely replicates Wat Sa Si, built in the 14th century and believed to house the ashes of King Li Thai (r. 1347-1368/74). For further discussion, see Rooney, Ancient Sukhothai, Bangkok, 2008, pp. 44-5 & 92-4).
Provenance:
Collection of Richard Roland, New York
Acquired in Europe before 1983