Thai rubbing on rice paper

Item Overview

• Type: Traditional Thai Rubbing Artwork
• Medium: Colored rubbing on rice paper
• Subject: Elephant warfare scene featuring warriors in ceremonial dress
• Size (framed): Approximately 24.5" x 27.5"
• Weight (framed): ~5 lbs
• Condition: Fair (creases, possible tears or aging damage visible to paper)
• Date Estimate: 1960s
• Provenance: Not specified
• For Sale: Yes

Description and Background

This artwork is a Thai-style rubbing, a traditional technique used to reproduce relief carvings or bas-reliefs onto paper or cloth. The rubbing is done by pressing the paper over an incised surface (typically stone or wood carvings at temples or historical monuments) and applying ink or pigment with a cloth or brush.

The subject depicts an iconic Thai historical or mythological war scene featuring elaborately armored war elephants, riders, and royal figures wielding spears and banners. The visual style and ornate costume detail suggest inspiration from ancient Thai epic literature or temple bas-reliefs, particularly scenes drawn from the Ayutthaya or Sukhothai periods. These types of artworks were commonly produced for the tourist and expatriate markets in the mid-20th century.

Material and Construction

• Medium: Rice paper (a delicate, fibrous paper commonly used in East and Southeast Asian art).
• Technique: Rubbing with colored pigments—likely using black and red wax or chalk-based materials, hand-embellished after transfer.
• Framing: Professionally framed with a muted green textile mat and gold fillet inside a hardwood frame. Backing shows age and tape repair, suggesting it has not been reframed since original mounting.

Condition Analysis

• Front: The rubbing shows vibrant coloration, though there is visible creasing and warping in the rice paper, particularly in the lower left quadrant. This is common for rice paper works that are decades old and not mounted in a humidity-controlled environment.
• Back: Tape residue and backing wear are evident. No markings, stamps, or provenance documents are visible.
• Restoration Potential: Minor professional restoration (re-lining or flattening under humidity) might be possible but would require expert handling due to the delicacy of the rice paper.

Authentication

There are no artist signatures, stamps, or inscriptions evident on the front or back, which is typical for tourist-market rubbings produced from master molds or temple carvings during the 1950s–1970s in Thailand. Based on subject matter, style, materials, and frame age, this item appears authentic as a mid-20th century Thai rubbing artwork—but not a one-of-a-kind original.

Market and Value

Thai rubbings from the 1960s–1970s have modest but stable market interest, especially those in good condition with culturally significant subjects like elephant battles. However, because they were widely produced and not individually signed, their value lies in their aesthetic and decorative appeal, not rarity.

Current Market Value (Fair Condition):

• Retail Gallery Price: $100 – $200
• Private Sale or Online Marketplace (eBay/Etsy): $60 – $125
• With Restoration and Reframing: Potentially $175 – $250

Recommendations

• Selling Advice: List the item on platforms like eBay, Chairish, or Etsy under terms such as "Vintage Thai Elephant Battle Rubbing on Rice Paper – 1960s Framed." Emphasize the cultural and decorative value.
• Professional Appraisal: Not essential unless the work is accompanied by provenance, a signature, or proven temple source.
• Preservation: Avoid exposure to sunlight and fluctuating humidity. If selling, disclose all visible condition issues clearly.