Southeast Asian Openwork Architectural Fragment with Garuda-Form Finial

This unusual carving once graced the exterior of a Thai government building and bears the symbol of the King; a garuda. All national government buildings are in effect royal buildings and bear the image of Krut  the supernatural protector of kings. The piece is carved from Teak, and covered in polychrome natural pigments. The dominant color is yellow, the color of the King, and often used as a substitute for costlier gold. The piece is of Northern Thai origin and dates to the early 19th Century.