No. 106924417

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人形 バリ語 - 水牛の皮 - 20世紀の後半
Final bid
€ 82
No reserve price
30 min ago

人形 バリ語 - 水牛の皮 - 20世紀の後半

Originating from the island of Bali, this pair of theatrical shadow figures (wayang kulit) reflects the rich mythological and folkloric repertoire central to Balinese Hindu performance traditions. Hand-carved and painted on cured water buffalo parchment, the ensemble brings together a crowned serpent (Nāga) and a wild forest boar (Celeng), both integral supporting characters in epic narratives such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and indigenous Tantri fables. The larger figure, measuring 60 cm in length, portrays a celestial serpent deity, stylistically aligned with Nāga Basuki or Anantaboga, revered in Balinese cosmology as subterranean guardians of cosmic order and sacred waters. Executed in an openwork chiseled technique, the serpent features an expressive terracotta-red head crowned by an ornate Balinese headdress, an open maw with exposed fangs, and an undulating body patterned in turquoise-green scales. The pale underbelly curves upward toward an elevated, zoomorphic tail terminal. In visual dialogue, the boar figure presents an earthy, grounded presence, rendered with a dark, textured hide silhouette, defined tusks, and a stylized terrain base. The figure incorporates an articulated head and jaw connected by a pivot pin and cord mechanism, designed to evoke lively, naturalistic motion against the backlit cotton screen. Acquired in Bali in 1994, both figures display the authentic patina and wear characteristic of traditional handling and age. Consistent with puppets retired from performance use, the original horn or bamboo support and manipulation rods (cempurit) have been removed, leaving binding perforations along the bodies. The rawhide exhibits natural undulation, edge curling, and drying consistent with organic material. The polychrome surfaces show honest wear, including fine craquelure, pigment loss, and scattered flaking, revealing the translucent rawhide substrate beneath and underscoring their authentic, historic character. PROVENANCE Private collection, Germany (field-collected in Bali, 1994). Thence by descent to the present owner.

No. 106924417

Sold
人形 バリ語 - 水牛の皮 - 20世紀の後半

人形 バリ語 - 水牛の皮 - 20世紀の後半

Originating from the island of Bali, this pair of theatrical shadow figures (wayang kulit) reflects the rich mythological and folkloric repertoire central to Balinese Hindu performance traditions. Hand-carved and painted on cured water buffalo parchment, the ensemble brings together a crowned serpent (Nāga) and a wild forest boar (Celeng), both integral supporting characters in epic narratives such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and indigenous Tantri fables.

The larger figure, measuring 60 cm in length, portrays a celestial serpent deity, stylistically aligned with Nāga Basuki or Anantaboga, revered in Balinese cosmology as subterranean guardians of cosmic order and sacred waters. Executed in an openwork chiseled technique, the serpent features an expressive terracotta-red head crowned by an ornate Balinese headdress, an open maw with exposed fangs, and an undulating body patterned in turquoise-green scales. The pale underbelly curves upward toward an elevated, zoomorphic tail terminal. In visual dialogue, the boar figure presents an earthy, grounded presence, rendered with a dark, textured hide silhouette, defined tusks, and a stylized terrain base. The figure incorporates an articulated head and jaw connected by a pivot pin and cord mechanism, designed to evoke lively, naturalistic motion against the backlit cotton screen.

Acquired in Bali in 1994, both figures display the authentic patina and wear characteristic of traditional handling and age. Consistent with puppets retired from performance use, the original horn or bamboo support and manipulation rods (cempurit) have been removed, leaving binding perforations along the bodies. The rawhide exhibits natural undulation, edge curling, and drying consistent with organic material. The polychrome surfaces show honest wear, including fine craquelure, pigment loss, and scattered flaking, revealing the translucent rawhide substrate beneath and underscoring their authentic, historic character.


PROVENANCE
Private collection, Germany (field-collected in Bali, 1994).
Thence by descent to the present owner.

Final bid
€ 82
No reserve price
Alexandra Xu
Expert
Estimate € 150 - € 200

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