Complete love at first sight with this one, which I purchased from a dealer near me who has collected art and objects from Southern Asia (Nepal, Tibet etc) for many many years, building an important collection, and happily now selling pieces too. From what I understand this carved and painted panel came from the Terai (lowland region) of Nepal, south of the foothills of the Himalayas, and I believe was once part of a cart or carriage. I love everything about it, from the manner of the carving, to the top and bottom borders, to the tree at left and marvelous old paint all over. But most of all this cheerful and iconic looking bus, and the idea of a non-motorized vehicle dreaming of hqving an engine, which I believe was the case!
13 3/4” l x 7 1/16” t x 78/8” d. Structurally sound and sturdy, beautifully aged, much better in person, a marvelous green with grayish overtones. One minor loss to the right side edge of the panel near the top. There is a bit of what looks like red wax at the center, which I love about it but looks like it could be flaked off.