Thai Nariphon and Makkaliphon Fruit-Paste Figures, ex-Coe

Southeast Asia, Thailand, ca. late 20th century CE. A pair of Thai figures modeled from dried fruit and flower paste, representing the mythical Nariphon (female) and Makkaliphon (male) beings from Buddhist legend, said to grow as fruit of enchanted trees in the Himaphan forest of Buddhist cosmology. Each figure stands in an elongated, columnar pose with arms held close to the body, the surfaces retaining the textured organic quality of the natural materials; each features a small topknot recalling the stem attachment to its originating branch. The female figure shows subtle anatomical detail with rounded breasts and curving hips, the male more angular with a narrower chest and defined torso. Size of larger (male): 1.6" W x 6.1" H (4.1 cm x 15.5 cm) According to the Vessantara Jataka, the god Indra created twelve Nariphon trees to protect the Bodhisattva Vessantara's wife from the lustful attentions of forest-dwelling ascetics. The trees bore fruits in the form of beautiful human-like beings to distract and incapacitate those who might harm her, causing them to fall into months-long slumber after consorting with the fruits. These rare folk representations echo the enduring Thai fascination with the Nariphon and Makkaliphon, which remain potent symbols in local lore - beings that possess human-like features and internal organs, yet lack bones, and are said to have the power to sing and dance. Traditionally, such representations are made to be both devotional and protective, embodying the intertwined themes of beauty, temptation, and spiritual safeguarding that the myth conveys. Item # 196207

Estimate:$100

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