Southern India. Profuse gilding. Metal hanging hardware.An extremely well preserved early 19th century hand decorated polychrome carved wooden statue of the Eastern divine spirit Garuda, a birdlike creature in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain mythology, described as the king of birds. Here he is depicted in his anthropomorphic form (man with wings and some bird features). Garuda is a part of the official state insignia of India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia. Southern India, possibly Kingdom of Mysore. Garuda is depicted with his hands posed to hold the reins of the chariot of Vishnu, for which he is the driver. He wears traditional ceremonial armor breastplate and is surmounted by an extravagant crown, all highlighted with profuse gilt decoration. Presented with a mounting metal chain. Issued: c. 1840 Dimensions: 22"H x 22"W Country of Origin: India Provenance: Collection of John J. Lanzendorf