Naga Statue - Antique Thai Style Bronze Female Deity with Naga Tail Statue - 41cm/16"

Antique Thai Style Bronze Female Deity with Naga Tail Statue - 41cm/16"

Measures (Height) 41cm/16" (Length) 65cm/25"

Antique Thai-Style Female Naga Deity Sculpture with Alms Bag

A striking antique Thai-style bronze sculpture of a graceful female Naga deity, shown holding an alms bag as her elegant serpent body flows into a long, sculptural tail. At 41 cm/16 inches high and 65 cm/26 inches long, this exceptional piece combines devotional symbolism, refined casting and a beautifully aged patina.

The female deity is portrayed in profile with a poised, serene expression, elaborate crown and jewellery, and finely rendered costume. Her raised hand forms a gesture of blessing or reassurance, while the other supports an alms bag—an evocative symbol of generosity, compassionate giving and the merit-making traditions of Buddhist culture.

Her body transforms into the sinuous form of a Naga, the sacred serpent being revered throughout Buddhist Asia. In Buddhist tradition, Nagas are guardians of the Dharma, protectors of hidden treasures and relics, and powerful symbols of water, fertility, renewal and transformation. The serpent tail in this sculpture therefore adds a further layer of meaning: it evokes the cyclical nature of life, rebirth and the possibility of spiritual renewal.

The Naga also represents protective strength. Just as Nagas safeguard sacred teachings and precious objects, this sculpture may be appreciated as a symbolic guardian for a home, meditation room, office or sacred space. Its combination of feminine grace, devotional generosity and serpent symbolism creates an artwork of unusual presence and depth.

The bronze displays a richly developed dark patina with attractive green and copper-toned areas of natural surface variation. Fine casting is visible throughout, particularly in the deity’s expressive face, ornate crown, jewellery, scaled Naga body and carefully modelled alms bag. The elongated tail creates a dramatic horizontal silhouette, making the sculpture especially effective on a console, mantelpiece, shelf or altar.

A distinctive and meaningful work of Thai-style Buddhist art, this female Naga deity brings serenity, protection and timeless Southeast Asian artistry to any interior.

Key Features

• Antique Thai-style bronze female Naga deity sculpture

• Depicts a graceful female figure holding an alms bag

• Long serpent-form Naga tail with finely cast scale decoration

• Symbolism of protection, generosity, fertility, rebirth and spiritual renewal

• Beautifully detailed face, crown, jewellery and costume

• Raised hand shown in a protective or blessing-like gesture

• Rich aged bronze patina with green and copper-toned surface variation

• Impressive display size: 41 cm high and 65 cm long

• Ideal for a Buddhist altar, meditation room, collector’s display, office or serene home interior

• A distinctive statement piece for collectors of Thai, Buddhist and Southeast Asian art

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this sculpture represent?

This sculpture represents a female deity combined with the sacred form of a Naga, a serpent being of profound importance in Buddhist and wider Southeast Asian traditions. She holds an alms bag, while her lower body becomes a long, scaled serpent tail.

The image unites themes of charity, abundance, protection, fertility, renewal and spiritual transformation.

What is a Naga?

A Naga is a powerful mythical serpent or serpent deity found in Buddhist, Hindu and Southeast Asian religious traditions. Nagas are often connected with water, rain, rivers, lakes, fertility and the hidden riches of the earth.

Within Buddhism, they are especially known as guardians of the Buddha’s teachings, sacred relics and spiritual treasures. They can represent protection, wisdom, transformation and the potential for renewal.

Why does the deity have a serpent tail?

The Naga tail identifies the figure with the protective and transformative qualities of the sacred serpent. Serpents periodically shed their skin, making them powerful symbols of rebirth, renewal and spiritual change.

The flowing tail also gives the sculpture its distinctive form and reflects the importance of Naga imagery in Thai and Southeast Asian sacred art, where serpent beings frequently guard temples, shrines, gateways and holy places.

What does the alms bag symbolise?

The alms bag symbolises charity, generosity and compassionate giving. In Buddhist culture, giving—often called dāna—is a foundational virtue that supports spiritual development and the accumulation of merit.

In this sculpture, the bag may be understood as an emblem of generosity and abundance, while the Naga form reinforces associations with fertility, renewal and safeguarding spiritual treasures.

Is this a Buddha sculpture?

No. This is not a representation of the historical Buddha. It is a female Naga-associated deity or guardian figure in a Thai Buddhist-inspired artistic tradition.

Its symbolism nonetheless complements a Buddhist setting beautifully through its associations with protection, generosity, sacred guardianship and the preservation of the Dharma.

What is the significance of the raised hand?

The raised hand is a blessing- or protection-like gesture. In Asian religious art, an open raised palm may communicate reassurance, protection, welcome or the dispelling of fear.

Together with the Naga’s guardian role, the gesture enhances the sculpture’s serene and protective presence.

What material is the sculpture made from?

The sculpture is bronze. Its surface has developed an appealing aged patina, including dark brown, green and copper-coloured variations that enhance the modelling and visual character of the casting.

What is patina?

Patina is the natural surface character that develops on bronze over time through age, handling, oxidation and environmental exposure. It may appear in shades of brown, black, green, blue-green or copper.

The varied patina on this sculpture contributes to its antique character and gives depth to the face, costume, scales and serpent tail.

Where should I display this sculpture?

This sculpture is ideally suited to a prominent, stable display surface, such as:

• A meditation-room altar or contemplative space

• A console table or mantelpiece

• A bookshelf or collector’s cabinet

• An entrance hall as a symbolic guardian figure

• A home office or reception setting

• A Southeast Asian art collection display

Because the sculpture measures 65 cm in length, ensure the surface is deep and stable enough to support the full tail and base securely.

How should I care for an antique bronze sculpture?

Display the sculpture indoors in a dry, stable environment, away from persistent moisture, direct sunlight and extremes of heat or cold. Dust gently using a soft, dry cloth or soft brush.

Do not use metal polish, abrasive cleaners, chemical sprays or household cleaning products, as these can damage or remove the original patina. Avoid excessive handling, particularly on raised details such as the crown, fingers and tail scales.

Is the Naga an appropriate symbol for a home or meditation space?

Yes. In Buddhist traditions, the Naga is a highly auspicious guardian associated with safeguarding sacred teachings, protection, spiritual treasures, transformation and harmony with the natural world.

This female Naga deity is especially suited to a calm, reflective or devotional setting because the alms bag adds themes of generosity, compassion and positive renewal.

The casting is beautiful as you can see in the fine details of the face. Each detail is rendered perfectly.

The distinctive patina of the piece is also particularly delightful. This traditional in appearance piece is sure to add serenity to your home, office or sacred space. One of the most recognisable of the Asian deities this representation of the spiritual teacher Buddha is sure to enlighten your home with endlessly timeless style.

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