Bronze Cast & Gold Gilt Erawan (Airavata) & Indra Figure
Bangkok, Thailand
Mid- 20th century
Bronze, paint
Length: 17,8cm
Height: 27,9cm
Width: 13,3cm
Collection Date: 2010
Collection Number: 182

A very heavy bronze cast of the divine elephant Erawan with Indra, the king of Tavatimsa Heaven, riding atop. The elephant became the symbol of Bangkok by association with Indra during its foundation as the capital of the new Rattanakosin Kingdom.

The cast is in the Rattanakosin Bankok style of the three-headed Erawan elephant with six tusks, Indra seated on top in a crown and jeweled bodice, carrying a mace and ankus under a severe expression. Bronze alloy with gold paint or enameled gold color. It's very heavy at 8.5lbs. and much larger than other examples seen on the market. Purchased by the former owner in Bangkok, Thailand, in the 1960s.

Photographs 8 & 9: Detail of the Phra Prang, the central tower of the Wat Arun ("Temple of Dawn") in Bangkok, Thailand, showing Indra on his three- headed elephant Erawan (Airavata).