Country Group: The Himalayas (Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia and Other)

Item id: 6675

This piece was collected in Pakistan many years ago. It looks to be a form of Garuda based on the wings, plume on top of the head, and talons on the feet. Appears very early to me, although I know little about this sort of piece- I bought it to study, but have never found a similar one in books, and it is outside my area of expertise. Sits 4.5 by 4.5 inches by a full 1 and 3/8 inches deep. Very thick and heavy. Carved with the entire figure on one square discreet block (not broken off of a bigger piece but carefully cut in to this shape originally) Appears to have been put together with other squares to make a larger picture. Retains remains of original black lacquer. Fascinating object.