Thai Wood Mini Altar

Gilded little shrine in flames of carved gold, with a pebbled niche inside.

This miniature altar of wood and glass from Thailand is from Thailand, and dates to the 19th century. Many Thai shrines and spirit houses are made in the form of a small building, and glass inlay is a widely used decoration in Thai temple architecture. Tiered shrine with an ornate gold-leaf frame of curling, flame-like pierced carving rising to a tall spire. The central niche is lined with a dark studded texture, over a red cushion on a stepped, gilded base. It is 5 inches wide, 4.25 deep and 10 high.

Lot of gold for something this size, wisely used.