Siamese sculpture in the Hermitage

Garuda

Bangkok

Mid-19th century

Wood (Carapa Moluccensis), gilding, mirror insets

Height: 54 cm

In the rich world of the middle and lower echelons of the pantheon, a major place was taken by various beasts, both real and fantastic. The mythical eagle Garuda is a personage of solar origin, deriving from Indian mythology. It is depicted with a human torso and arms, but a bird's talons and wings. Garuda's talons are tearing a serpent into two long strips, holding it above its head. The perpetual enmity and struggle between Garuda and the serpents symbolizes the contest and inseparable unity of two principles - heavenly and earthly, male and female. This motif was taken up into the Thais' mythology and became a frequent component of their decorative art. The image of Garuda became a symbol of the Chakri dynasty that still reigns in Thailand today and features on the country's coat-of-arms.

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