Oleg Tamulilingan — The Butterfly Dance in Motion - Albizia saman (albizia) - Indonesia - 1950-1970

- English Description (primary description) - Balinese dance is not merely performance — it is transformation. This mid century sculpture of Oleg Tamulilingan, the Butterfly Dance, captures that metamorphic moment when movement becomes ritual and ritual becomes art.

Carved from Albizia saman (albizia), the dancer’s posture reflects the elegance and fluidity of the Pita Maha / Ubud school (circa 1950–1970). Her raised arms, gently curved torso and serene facial expression evoke the fluttering grace of butterflies, symbolising harmony, attraction and the delicate balance between masculine and feminine energies.

The engraved sarong, floral crown and rhythmic carving lines reveal the atelier’s mastery of detail. The monolithic block construction and untouched patina preserve the authenticity of mid century Balinese craftsmanship.

Acquired in Mas, Bali in 1965 by an old seafarer and later kept in Wijk bij Duurstede (The Netherlands), this sculpture carries a rare documented travel history — a tangible link between Bali’s artistic heritage and European collectors of the 20th century.
Marked “AG” on the underside — a typical mid‑20th‑century practice, when collectors often used black marker to catalogue and identify their pieces. This period‑correct annotation supports the provenance, with “AG” most likely referring to the collector’s personal initials or inventory code.

Specifications
Dimensions: 49 × 10 × 10 cm
Weight: 1206 g
Condition: Very good — light usage traces, original patina.
Wood: Albizia saman (albizia)
Period: circa 1950–1970
Origin: Private collection of an old seafarer, purchased in Mas (Bali) in 1965, later kept in Wijk bij Duurstede (The Netherlands)
Notable features: Floral crown, engraved sarong, serene expression, premium mid century atelier quality.
Scale Reference: A standard business card (85 × 55 mm) is shown in one of the photos as an international size reference.

Premium Packaging
Professional shipping within the European Union only. This artwork will be packed using a premium protective double-box system with bubble wrap and shock-absorbing packing material. Due to customs requirements, import regulations and the wooden nature of the object, shipping is restricted to destinations within the European Union. Shipping costs include professional packaging, handling and tracking.

Utama Art Indonesia — where Indonesian craftsmanship and heritage come together. Explore the full curated collection in this auction.

- Nederlands (samenvatting) - Deze mid‑century Balinese sculptuur toont Oleg Tamulilingan, de Vlinderdans, elegant gesneden uit Albizia saman (albizia) in de verfijnde stijl van de Pita Maha / Ubud‑school (1950–1970). De bloemkroon, gegraveerde sarong en serene expressie benadrukken de atelierkwaliteit en originele patina. Afkomstig uit een privécollectie van een oude zeevaarder, gekocht in Mas, Bali in 1965 en later bewaard in Wijk bij Duurstede (Nederland).

- Français (résumé) - Cette sculpture balinaise mid‑century représente Oleg Tamulilingan, la Danse du Papillon, élégamment sculptée dans Albizia saman (albizia) selon le style raffiné de l’école Pita Maha / Ubud (vers 1950–1970). La couronne florale, le sarong gravé et l’expression sereine soulignent la qualité d’atelier et la patine originale. Provenant de la collection privée d’un ancien marin, achetée à Mas, Bali en 1965 puis conservée à Wijk bij Duurstede (Pays‑Bas).