This is an authentic mid-century modern early 1960's rubbing of a bas-relief from a Buddhist temple in Thailand. It is of exceptionally high quality and professionally framed in a vintage shadow box frame with protective glass.
This rubbing features a classical dancer, or a dancing nymph, aspara. Asparas are female spirits of the clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist culture. They are often equated to fairies, nymphs, and angels in western culture. They frequently occur in Hindu epics and also some Buddhist holy scriptures. A woman dressed in classical apparel appears in the last picture for reference.
This rubbing has been attributed to Wat Pho Buddhist temple in Thailand. Wat Pho is believed to have been founded in 1688 and is considered the earliest center for public education in Thailand, Thailand's first university. Marble illustrations and inscriptions placed in the temple for public instructions have been recognized by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Program to promote, preserve, & propagate the wisdom of world heritage. It is home to over 1,000 Buddha images, the largest collection in Thailand.
Creating such temple rubbings was very popular in the 1950's and early 1960's, but was banned by the Thai government in 1965 as a conservation effort to ensure their marble reliefs are preserved for future generations.
Frame Dimensions: Length 24 and 1/4 inches, Width 17 inches, Height 1 and 1/2 inches