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DiaporamaHornbill skull
Tribal Art
1920
5.0 x 22.0 cm
Museu do Oriente
Rare object, much sought after by collectors. The head has a carved bas-relief scene depicting a deity in a palanquin drawn by a dragon. This bird is a subspecies of the Hornbill that has a red horn on the beak, with a texture similar to ivory. The use of the hornbill horn became very popular in China and the East Indies, especially from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) where it was used to carve artefacts held or offered as a symbol of power and status, although the first records identify its use in China as early as the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368). Due to its rarity, the Chinese considered hornbill ivory more valuable than gold, jade, or real ivory. Sculptures like this were also widely traded, or offered as tributes, by Chinese travelers in the West. In such a way that this bird, currently protected, was practically extinct.
Thañí + Silat, The ‘Mensaje That Comes From The Forest’ (The Translation Of The Name Of The Group) (? – ?)
Thañí + Silat are contemporary artists known for their intricate carvings on natural materials like hornbill skulls, reflecting Balinese/Indonesian artistry. Their rare 1920s pieces blend cultural symbolism with unique sculptural forms, appealing to collectors of distinctive art.
Museu do Oriente (Lisbon, Portugal)
Discover Portugal's fascinating connection to Asia at Museu do Oriente! Explore stunning Chinese screens, Namban art & the Kwok On Collection showcasing Asian performing arts – a unique Lisbon cultural experience.
About this artwork
- Title: Hornbill skull
- Artist: Thañí + Silat, The ‘Mensaje That Comes From The Forest’ (The Translation Of The Name Of The Group)
- Year: 1920
- Original dimensions: 5.0 x 22.0 cm
- Format: Landscape
- Copyright status: Under copyright
- Where to see it: Museu do Oriente
- Corpus context: ming dynasty influence" , southeast asian traditions
- Main color: Quinacridone Magenta
- Keywords: carved hornbill , southeast asia , dragon palanquin
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