Mixed lot (2 items): Indonesia, Java, Bali: 2 large painted leather shadow play figures called ‘Wayang kulit figures’.
Mixed lot (2 items): Indonesia, Java, Bali: 2 large painted leather shadow play figures called ‘Wayang kulit figures’.
To this day, in Java and in Bali, the traditional shadow play remains much loved. It is thought to have arisen in Java about a thousand years ago. Played out with such flat shadow play figures were scenes from the great Indian epics, the ‘Mahabarata’ and ‘Ramayana’, as well as historical accounts (wars, battles etc.). There exist more than 100 different figures (of gods, kings, princes, warriors, demons etc.).
A performance lasts an entire night. These so-called ‘Wayang-kulit’ figures would be cut out by specialists from water buffalo hides, punched out with sharp chisels and lastly, painted and furnished with holder and movement staffs made of wood or horn.
The present 'Wayang-kulit’ figures are both unusually big! They probably depict the evil demon-king Rawana and/or his brother Prabu Kumbakarna. With crowns, long hair, and fangs. Both figures bear noticeable traces of frequent use and visible, shiny patina on both of the holding staffs. Only minor age-related damage. Height: 82 cm and 84 cm (each without holding staffs); first half of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
Austrian Private Collection.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
09.06.2016 - 17:00
- Realized price: **
-
EUR 313.-
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 250.-
Mixed lot (2 items): Indonesia, Java, Bali: 2 large painted leather shadow play figures called ‘Wayang kulit figures’.
To this day, in Java and in Bali, the traditional shadow play remains much loved. It is thought to have arisen in Java about a thousand years ago. Played out with such flat shadow play figures were scenes from the great Indian epics, the ‘Mahabarata’ and ‘Ramayana’, as well as historical accounts (wars, battles etc.). There exist more than 100 different figures (of gods, kings, princes, warriors, demons etc.).
A performance lasts an entire night. These so-called ‘Wayang-kulit’ figures would be cut out by specialists from water buffalo hides, punched out with sharp chisels and lastly, painted and furnished with holder and movement staffs made of wood or horn.
The present 'Wayang-kulit’ figures are both unusually big! They probably depict the evil demon-king Rawana and/or his brother Prabu Kumbakarna. With crowns, long hair, and fangs. Both figures bear noticeable traces of frequent use and visible, shiny patina on both of the holding staffs. Only minor age-related damage. Height: 82 cm and 84 cm (each without holding staffs); first half of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
Austrian Private Collection.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art - Africa |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 09.06.2016 - 17:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 04.06. - 09.06.2016 |
** Purchase price incl. buyer's premium and VAT
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