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This substantial pair of Thai Teppanom was a very special gift from my wife's grandmother. She received them from her friend simply as a decoration for the garden! They are at the very least 50 years old.

We have had a hard time finding any others quite of this quality and design online. Particularly the large wings on the thighs seem to be unique.

I assume these are 'temple' quality, or for someone of high social rank at least, but how can I determine an approximate age? I am very interested to know, are there any design hints as to what region of Thailand they might have originated?

Thank you

There are some unusual aspects to this pair which seem contradictory to the classic portrayals of Teppanom. While it is true that they are usually depicted kneeling on both knees with hands at the wai position, they are most often portrayed in pairs as male and female. (brother and sister)

Since I cannot see the backs or the feet, I won't rule out the possibility that these two figures may represent Kinnaras, half-bird, half-man creatures which usually feature the devices we see upon the thighs which represent feathers.

The feet of the Kinnaras usually are bird-like, but in some cases may seem more human, and there may be feathers or a rooster-like tail attached to the back.

Other than that, the faces of your statues remind me most of what I saw in Northwest Thailand, specifically Chiangmai or Mae Hong Son, with definite Burmese influence in the faces.

I'll look through some temple photos I took and see what I find to compare.

Cheers
Gman

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