Large 19th Century Thai Wooden Temple Dragon - 41" H X 29" W X 2" D

Architectural element in the shape of a right-facing Naga head which had been located on the sides of a larger roof structure. This antique piece of wooden architectural salvage provided symbolic protection and features amazing handwork with delicate carving. It has an attractive patina due to weather and age with hues of dark brown, khaki and cream on the body with faint red on the edges.  

An extremely rare find that would make for a stunning wall hanging in multiple environments either inside, outside under a covered patio, or in a residential or commercial setting. It will be a focal point in a variety of interiors that could include Industrial/Loft, Wabi Sabi... to Organic-Inspired or Coastal Modern design. 

Purchased in the 1970s on location in Thailand, this piece cannot be replicated as it is from the mid to late 19th century and was unique to the structure for which it was created. 

Place of Origin: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Date of Manufacture: 1850s-1890s 

Condition: Very Good

Wear: Consistent with age. Please refer to pictures.

Dimensions: 41 in. H X 29 in. W X 2 in. D

Provenance:

This amazing piece of architectural salvage has been part of the private collection of Dean Warner since he purchased it in-person on-location in Chiang Mai, Thailand in the early-1970s. It was originally destined for his galley in La Jolla, California, but has been in climate-controlled storage since the late-1970s.

Mr. Warner (1931-2025) was a graduate of both Mexico City College and Thunderbird and a noted dealer in Pre-Columbian & Tribal Artifacts. He had galleries in Dallas, Texas and La Jolla, California, a client base that included private individuals and institutions, and served as an authority for authentication. In addition, events during the 1960s and 1970s were held to showcase his Pre-Columbian collection across the United States in retail establishments like Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Shillito's and Higbee's among others.

In retirement, Mr. Warner (T-Bird '57) continued to be an avid collector and served both as the Art Curator for the Thunderbird School of Global Management (now part of Arizona State University) and the Creator/Director of the The Global Market for ethnographic art and gifts which was founded in 1994. Many of the items he collected are now part of the permanent collection of the university.

Reference:

The Art of Indochina by B. Ph. Groslier (pg. 207)

My Thailand: Nagas - Buddhist Temple Guardians

Mae Hong Son Holidays: Symbols of Faith & Spiritual Art in Northern Temples

Significance of Naga in Thai Architectural & Sculptural Ornaments by Phan Anh Tu

Thai Architecture Discussion: Reddit

Additional Photo Examples: Naga, Gable Roof of Buddhist Temples

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