Burmese Page Boy Character (Thu-Nge-Daw)

This interesting and whimsical figure from Burmese lore represents a thu-nge-daw or a page boy who carries messages between royal characters in Burmese classical dance drama as well as in marionette theatre.

Carved from a single block or light wood and then lacquered and gilded, the figure has also been decorated by having small mirrored discs of glass ((known as hman-zi- shwei-cha) impressed into the lacquer.

The figure is dressed in a traditional longyi which has been folded up between the legs and tucked into the already portly waist. The face has been delicately painted, most particularly the eyes and lashes.

Two tufts of hair projects from the top of the head – these are made from actual human hair. These two prominent tufts tend to be an identifying characteristic for the page boy character.

The figure stands on a high, red, oval stand, the front of which retains remnants of white Burmese script which almost certainly identified the character, but which no longer is legible.

The figure is in fine condition. It is likely that there is an old break to the ankles but the base was re-attached readily. Overall, this is an unusual and decorative figure.