Ceramic statuette, 'Bird of Death'

Regal Hassadeeling is perched on a single rock, posing with mystery and elegance. According to legends from northern Thailand, Hassadeeling has the body of a bird and the head and trunk of an elephant. It is a powerful and fearsome creature, said to eat elephants. Custom dictates that when a monk or royal dies, the coffin most be adorned with the image of Hassadeeling, for it will take the deceased straight to heaven. Num Chaiyasien sculpts the ceramic statuette with extraordinary detail. He has painted Hassadeeling in black, emphasizing its mysterious and mystical nature.